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Ask Your Optometrist…About "Floaters"

Calgary Optometry Centre answers common eye care questions:



Q: Sometimes I see "spots" in front of my eyes. What are they?

A: It is very common for people of any age to see small spots or floaters. They are caused by a change in the consistency of the fluid in the central portion in your eye. Floaters take on many forms, from small dots or threads to the very life-like appearance of spiders, tadpoles or cobwebs. They may appear so noticeable that you could draw their shape exactly. They move with your eye movements and tend to swing back and forth across your vision. There is no treatment for normal floaters.

However, floaters can also be indicative of a more serious or abnormal eye condition or disease, such as a detached retina or eye bleeding. For this reason, we strongly recommend that any unusual spots, floaters or images in your vision be assessed by our Optometrists. We also recommend that any sudden increase in the size, number, frequency of the floaters or any light flashes seen be assessed as soon as possible. The Optometrist is able to distinguish between "normal" and "abnormal" floaters and determine whether or not any treatment is required.

(source: Canadian Association of Optometrists)