A ‘floater’ is the term given for protein-like particles that collect in the eye and tend to ‘float’ or move around. There are two possible reasons for seeing floaters (sometimes seen as ‘hairs’, ‘spots’ or web-like strands). The first condition is known as a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD). The vitreous is the jelly-like substance that is found inside the eye. As we age, this substance begins to liquefy and begins to pull away from the retina. As the retina is tugged, it can create lightning-like ‘flashes’ in one’s vision, usually associated with floaters—these annoying spots that typically move around with eye movement. Although the floaters remain, the brain usually adapts in time and they become less noticeable. More importantly, floaters can also be a sign of a retinal tear, or detachment….which is more serious. Therefore, it is very important to be evaluated by an ophthalmologist with any new onset of floaters (or flashes) to insure no other retina problem is present. Another cause of floaters is due to bleeding inside the eye. This is referred to as a vitreous hemorrhage and is caused by abnormal vessels in the eye most commonly due to diabetic eye disease. For more information on diabetic eye disease, please refer to the FAQ question ‘What is diabetic retinopathy?’.
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