SPOTS & FLOATERS
Spots (often called 'floaters') are small cloudy specks that float about in your field of vision. They move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly.
Most people have floaters and they are usually not noticed until they become numerous or more prominent. They can become obvious when looking at something bright, such as white paper or a blue sky.
They can be distracting but eventually tend to 'settle' at the bottom of the eye below the line of sight. However, occasionally floaters can be a sign of more serious eye conditions.
Causes
Most eye spots/floaters are caused by age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like vitreous inside your eyes becomes more liquid. Microscopic fibres and bands within the vitreous tend to clump and cast shadows on your retina. The shadows you see are the spots/floaters. Occasionally, damage to the retina can also cause spots/floaters-this is much more serious and an urgent consultation with an Optometrist is needed to assess the retina.
Common symptoms of spots (aka floaters)
Small shapes in your vision that appear as dark specks or knobby, transparent strings of floating material. Spots that move when you move your eyes, so when you try to look at them, they move quickly out of your visual field.
If you notice a sudden change or increase in spots and then you should see your Visique optometrist as soon as possible.
Treatments
If floaters are not very noticeable then treatment is often not necessary, however it is best to get them checked as they can occasionally be a sign of more serious eye conditions.
If the floaters become a major nuisance or begin to impair your vision, there are options available for removing spots/floaters such as a Vitrectomy and laser surgery.
Talk to your Visique optometrist about your options.