A dark speck drifting across your view can be distracting, especially when you're reading or working at a computer. While many eye floaters are harmless, the timing and nature of your symptoms matter. Through our retina health services at Galiani Ophthalmology Associates, we evaluate these concerns for patients in Reading and Doylestown, PA. David L. Galiani, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist whose clinical interests include medical retina care.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
The vitreous is the clear, gel-like substance filling the inside of your eye. As you get older, it gradually becomes more liquid, allowing small fibers or clumps to move within it. These particles cast shadows on the retina, which you perceive as floating dots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes.
One common cause is posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which occurs when the vitreous separates from the retina. Although this often happens naturally with age, the process can sometimes cause a retinal tear.
Floaters may also develop because of inflammation, bleeding, or an eye injury.
When Should You Be Concerned About Floaters?
A few longstanding spots that haven't changed may be harmless. However, sudden symptoms can signal a serious problem.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- New flashes of light, particularly alongside floating spots
- A dark curtain or shadow across your eyesight
- An abrupt decrease in vision
These signs may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, even without pain. Call our office immediately or seek emergency eye care rather than submitting an online appointment request.
You can find additional warning signs on our emergency eye care page.
How Do We Evaluate Eye Floaters?
Before considering treatment, we need to determine what's causing the disturbance.
During a comprehensive eye exam, dilating drops allow us to examine the vitreous and surrounding retinal tissue. We'll look for tears, bleeding, inflammation, and other abnormalities that may require medical attention.
We also ask how long you've noticed the spots and whether they're interfering with work, driving, or everyday activities.
What Floater Treatment Options Are Available?
Many people don't need treatment. Over time, the brain may become less aware of the shadows, particularly when the floaters are small or don't obstruct central sight.
For selected patients with persistent, bothersome symptoms, laser vitreolysis may be an option. This in-office procedure uses focused laser energy to break up or vaporize certain opacities inside the vitreous.
Not every floater can be treated this way. Its location, size, and distance from the lens and retina all influence whether the procedure is appropriate.
Results vary, and complete removal isn't guaranteed. Potential risks include increased eye pressure, damage to the lens or retina, and other complications. We'll explain these considerations before recommending laser treatment.
In severe cases, surgical vitrectomy may be considered by a retinal specialist. This is a different procedure with its own risks and is generally reserved for significant symptoms.
Why Choose Galiani Ophthalmology Associates for Floater Treatment in Reading?
Our approach begins with finding out whether the symptoms are associated with a retinal problem or a vitreous change that can be monitored.
Dr. Jon Peet has clinical experience in medical retina care and has published research involving retinal imaging. That background complements our team's ophthalmic examinations and assessment of possible treatment options.
We consider the position of the opacity, your eye health, and how much your symptoms interfere with daily life before recommending a procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're a suitable candidate, laser energy is directed at the floater during an office procedure. Your eye may be dilated, and numbing drops may be used. We'll explain what to expect beforehand.
Yes. Some patients may need additional treatment, while others won't be suitable candidates. The number of visits and expected results depend on the findings.
No established eye drop treatment dissolves ordinary vitreous floaters. An examination can determine whether another condition is causing your symptoms.
Yes. Some patients notice them more clearly after cataract removal, and changes in the vitreous can also occur. Any sudden onset of new symptoms warrants prompt evaluation.
Yes. The vitreous can continue changing, so new opacities may develop even if an earlier floater was treated successfully.
