5 Age-Related Eye Conditions to Look Out For
As you age, you become more susceptible to age-related illness and disease, including eye conditions. Here’s what to watch for when it comes to your vision.
When Do Eye Floaters Need Treatment?
At some point or another, you’ve likely noticed a spot, speck, or string in your vision that floats away when you look directly at it. These eye floaters aren’t always a cause for concern, but you should see an eye specialist to rule out conditions that could seriously impact your vision.
Our eye health specialists at Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, are eager to provide education about and treatment for eye floaters. If you or a loved one is struggling with this common eye symptom, we can help.
What causes eye floaters?
Your eye consists mostly of vitreous, the jelly-like substance between your lens and retina. Consisting of water, collagen, and hyaluronan, the vitreous helps your eye maintain its shape. However, vitreous ages with the rest of your body and begins to degrade over time. This can cause the collagen inside to clump, casting shadows over the retina.
Eye floaters can also be caused by retinal tears and bleeding into the eye. Blood cells and other fluids are seen as floaters, similarly blocking light. Without treatment, a retinal tear can lead to retinal detachment.
Floaters are also a common symptom of solar retinopathy, or sun damage. If you look directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse, you may notice floaters in your vision afterwards. This is why it’s essential to wear sunglasses daily and purchase protective eyewear for eclipse viewings.
While the occasional floater is nothing to write your ophthalmologist about, a high frequency can be symptomatic.
When to seek treatment for eye floaters
If you’ve noticed more floaters than usual, make your next eye exam a priority. You might need a complete examination to determine the cause, and treatment may be in order. Be sure to mention any other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as:
- A shadow or shade in your vision
- Eye pain and soreness
- Headache or migraine
- Vision changes
- Sensitivity to light
- Flashes of light
- Watery eyes
- Blurriness
Flashes of light and shadows in your vision are symptoms of retinal tearing, which warrants immediate care. Once the acute injury has been treated, your eye can begin healing.
Floaters caused by age can be broken up using laser treatments. The laser breaks up the clots within the vitreous of your eye, making them smaller and less noticeable. While there are some risks, it is less invasive than vitrectomy or vitreous surgery. For those with disruptive floaters in their vision, it may be the appropriate approach.
Noticing more floaters than usual? Small shadows can have a huge impact on your vision. Schedule an appointment at Ventura Eye Institute by calling 805-388-1211 or visiting the contact page for more options.
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