Eye floaters are tiny spots and specks that drift around in your field of vision. While annoying, ordinary eye floaters are very common and more often than not there is no cause for concern.
The reason that floaters appear is usually due to tiny pieces of the eye’s gel-like vitreous breaking loose within the back of the eye.
When we are younger, despite being made up of 99% water, the vitreous holds a gel like consistency. However as we begin to age it starts to dissolve and become more watery. When this happens the vitreous becomes more detached from the retina and floaters become more visible.
Floaters and eye spots are particularly exaggerated when you look at bright lights, a clear sky or a white computer screen. Rather than actually being able to see small pieces of debris floating around in your eye, what you will see is shadows being cast across your vision. This is a result of these small spots blocking the light from entering your retina.
You’ll also notice that these specks never seem to stay still when you try to focus on them. Floaters and spots move when your eyes move, giving off the impression that they are ‘drifting.’
Worried about your eyes? Many eye conditions have no early warning signs, and a regular eye examination is the best way to catch them. Book an eye test or call us on 0151 727 3636.