Vision Source Mandan Blog

Ever Wonder What Those Floaters In Your Eyes Are?

Have you ever noticed specks, strings or cobwebs drift across your field of vision?

Those are called eye floaters! If you’ve ever experienced them, you’ve probably wondered what they were and if they were a cause for concern. Here’s all you need to know about those sometimes bothersome floaters.

What Are Floaters And What Causes Them?

Floaters may look like tiny worms or cobwebs floating in the air in front of you, but they are actually inside of your eye! Our eyes are filled with a clear, jelly-like substance called the vitreous humor. As we age, the vitreous humor becomes more liquid and certain protein fibers start clumping together. As light comes into our eyes, these clumped fibers cast a shadow on the retina, causing us to see floaters. They may be most noticeable when looking at something bright, like white paper or a blue sky.

Although irritating sometimes, these floaters are usually no cause for concern. Eye floaters can show up at any age but most emerge, as stated above, as we get older–usually after the age of 50. Most people adapt to floaters or simply stop noticing them. If floaters are extremely bothersome to you, however, make an appointment with your Vision Source® optometrist.

When Are Floaters Worrisome?

Sometimes floaters can be a symptom of certain eye diseases or a detached retina. If you experience the following symptoms, go see your eye care provider or doctor immediately as they could be a sign of a more serious problem:

  • A sudden worsening or increase in the number of floaters
  • Flashes of light
  • Floaters that gradually get worse
  • Eye pain
  • Floaters that appear after trauma or surgery
  • Loss or worsening of peripheral vision

Still Wondering About Floaters?

Eye floaters may seem like a strange phenomenon but they are relatively common and usually harmless. Do you have any more questions about eye floaters? Let us know in the comments below or feel free to call a Vision Source® member practice near you!

We’re grateful for our amazing patients!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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What Our Clients Say

My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

Deborah C.

I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

Dolly A.

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