Dr. Sharon Richens, MD, FACS, and her team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists at Richens Eye Center help patients get clear answers with thorough eye exams. Visit one of our locations in St. George, Utah, or Mesquite, Nevada.
What Eye Floaters Are and What Causes Them
Eye floaters are small specks or strands that drift through your field of vision. They form when tiny clumps develop in the gel-like substance inside the eye. As light moves through the eye, these clumps cast shadows on the retina, creating the shapes you notice. Most people see floaters at some point, especially with age.
Several things can contribute to floaters, including:
- Aging changes in the vitreous
- Nearsightedness
- Prior eye surgery or injury
- Inflammation or bleeding inside the eye
Are Eye Floaters Ever Something to Worry About?
Many floaters are harmless, especially when they appear slowly and act the same day to day. They often come from natural changes inside the eye.
Still, floaters can occasionally signal something more serious. A sudden burst of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow that drifts in from the side may point to a retinal tear or detachment. These conditions develop quickly and can affect your vision if they are not treated right away.
When floaters show up out of nowhere, change suddenly, or come with flashes or shadows, it is worth getting checked. A quick evaluation can confirm whether everything is stable or if something needs prompt care.
Expert Care You Can Trust
At Richens Eye Center, you have access to a knowledgeable team that can take a close look and explain what is happening in a way that makes sense.
If floaters are bothering you or raising questions, reach out to us for a simple evaluation. Book an appointment by calling the office closest to you today:
- St. George Downtown 435-986-2020
- St. George Sunset 435-628-1112
- Mesquite 702-346-2950
- Little Valley 435-900-3937
