Floaters & Spots
Home » Patient Resources » Vision Abnormalities & Eye Issues Glossary » Floaters & Spots
Spots, or “floaters,” are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the vitreous, which is the clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. They appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands or cobwebs. Because they are within your eyes, they move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly.
Spots and floaters are often caused by small flecks of protein or other matter trapped during the formation of your eyes before birth. They can also result from deterioration of the vitreous fluid, due to aging, or from certain eye diseases or injuries.
Most floaters and spots are not harmful and rarely limit vision. But spots can be indications of more serious problems, and you should see your optometrist for a comprehensive examination when you notice sudden changes or see increases in them.
By looking in your eyes with special instruments, your optometrist can perform a comprehensive optometric examination to examine the health of your eyes and determine if what you see is harmless or the symptom of a more serious problem that requires treatment.
Family Eye Care Center can help determine whether the floaters and spots that you see represent a normal condition or require further examination. Get the peace of mind you need by scheduling an eye exam today. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment, Call: (304) 636-9111.
Much of the educational information provided on this page has been adapted with permission from copyrighted resources provided courtesy of American Optometric Association (AOA) for use by its members. AOA is the leading authority on quality eye health and vision care, representing doctors of optometry and optometric professionals throughout the United States.
No information on this page, or any other part of this website, may be copied or shared in any manner without the prior written consent of the copyright holder(s). The copyright holder of the educational content on this page is American Optometric Association. The copyright holder of the content of this website is Family Eye Care Center – Elkins, West Virginia.
Until Next Time, We’ll Be Seeing You!