What Are Eye Floaters, and When Should You Be Concerned?

Eye floaters are a common visual phenomenon—but they can also be a warning sign. At Mountain Brook Eye Care, we’re here to help you understand what floaters are, why they happen, and when they might be more than just a nuisance. Dr. Jeremy Edgerly and our experienced team offer advanced diagnostic tools and personalized care to evaluate floaters and protect your long-term vision.

If you’ve noticed new floaters, flashes of light, or shadows in your peripheral vision, don’t wait. Contact Mountain Brook Eye Care in Mountain Brook, AL, today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

This Article Will Address:

• What floaters in your vision actually are
• Common causes behind eye floaters
• Whether floaters disappear on their own
• How floaters are diagnosed by your optometrist
• Treatment options for managing floaters
• When eye floaters require immediate attention
• Why Mountain Brook Eye Care is a trusted choice for vision concerns
• Frequently asked questions about eye floaters

What Are Eye Floaters?

Floaters are tiny specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision, especially when looking at a bright, clear background like the sky or a white wall. Medically known as myodesopsias, these visual disturbances are caused by small clumps of the eye’s vitreous gel casting shadows on the retina.

They tend to track along with your eye movement—and while they can be distracting, they’re usually harmless.

What Causes Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters can develop for several reasons, most of which are a normal part of aging. Here’s a closer look:

• Near-Sighted: It is not uncommon for near-sighted individuals to have floaters. Even children may experience these harmless floaters. They can be very small, sometimes as small as the tip of a pencil. 
• Vitreous Degeneration: As we age, the clear gel inside the eye (the vitreous) begins to liquefy and shrink, creating clumps that cast shadows on the retina.
• Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): In the final stage of Vitreal Degeneration, the vitreous completely collapses and detaches from the retina. During this process, there is a risk of a retinal tear.
• Eye Injuries or Inflammation: Trauma or certain eye diseases may cause clumps or cells in the vitreous.
• Surgery or Medications: Some eye procedures or medications injected into the eye may trigger floaters as a side effect.

Do Eye Floaters Go Away on Their Own?

In many cases, yes. Floaters may settle below your line of sight or become less noticeable over time. Your brain can also learn to “tune them out.”

However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes, shadows, or vision loss, is a red flag. These symptoms may indicate retinal tears or detachment—conditions that require immediate medical attention.

How Are Eye Floaters Diagnosed?

At Mountain Brook Eye Care, we use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and expert evaluation to get to the root of your symptoms:

• Comprehensive Eye Exam: During routine exams, Dr. Edgerly carefully evaluates your eye health. Certain risk factors contribute to floaters and lead to other, more serious conditions. 
• Advanced Imaging with Optos Monaco: This cutting-edge retinal imaging technology allows for detailed photo documentation of your eyes.
• Dilated Fundus Exam:  A dilated eye exam helps us examine the retina for any signs of tears, bleeding, or detachment. This is the most confident way to rule out anything serious.  
• Referral Co-Management: If surgery or specialty care is required, we coordinate with trusted retinal specialists to ensure you receive the best outcome.

What Treatments Are Available for Eye Floaters?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your floaters. Most cases do not require intervention, but here’s what may be recommended:

• Observation & Education: In most cases, we monitor your floaters over time and provide reassurance.
• Laser Vitreolysis: In certain cases, laser treatment can break up large or persistent floaters (though this option isn’t widely available).
• Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure that removes the vitreous and is only used for severe or vision-threatening floaters.

At Mountain Brook Eye Care, our goal is to ensure you understand what’s happening—and only recommend treatment when it’s truly necessary.

When Should You Be Concerned About Eye Floaters?

While most floaters are harmless, some changes in vision require prompt attention. Call us right away if you experience:

• A sudden increase in the number or size of floaters
• Bright flashes of light in your peripheral vision
• A gray shadow or curtain effect across your vision
• Loss of side or central vision
• Eye pain or significant distortion

These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which needs immediate eye care. Mountain Brook Eye Care offers urgent eye exams—just give us a call.

Why Choose Mountain Brook Eye Care for Vision Concerns?

When it comes to protecting your vision, experience and technology matter. At Mountain Brook Eye Care, you’ll receive:

• Expert Care from Dr. Jeremy Edgerly: With specialized training in ocular disease, Dr. Edgerly offers detailed evaluations for floaters and other eye health concerns.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: We use Optos Monaco and Neurolens to catch subtle changes early.
• Comfortable, Personalized Visits: Our modern office is designed to help you feel at ease—whether you’re here for a routine checkup or something more urgent.
• Flexible Scheduling: Need to be seen quickly? We offer emergency and same-day appointments when available.

Protect Your Vision with Trusted Eye Care in Mountain Brook, AL

If you’re seeing floaters more often—or noticing new ones entirely—it’s worth getting checked. Most cases are nothing to worry about, but your eyes deserve expert attention and peace of mind.

At Mountain Brook Eye Care, we’re proud to serve the Mountain Brook community with thorough exams, personalized care, and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Let’s make sure your vision stays as clear as possible—for today and for years to come.

Call us today to request an appointment. We’re here to help you see clearly.

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic
• Cleveland Clinic
• Johns Hopkins Medicine