Floaters are specks, spots, or cobweb-like shapes that appear to drift across your field of vision. The vitreous, the fluid that fills the interior of your eye, is what causes them. While floaters affect many and are usually harmless, certain signs could indicate a more serious underlying eye condition.

Sudden Onset of Floaters

If you suddenly start seeing many floaters or flashes of light, it could indicate a retinal tear. This is when the retina peels away from the supporting tissue. If not treated immediately, this could result in retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.

Blurred or Dimmed Vision, Along With Floaters

A significant eye issue may be present if your eyesight suddenly gets blurry or dim. Many diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, can result in blurred or dimmed vision. These conditions require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage to the eye.

Eye Pain or Redness

It may indicate inflammation or infection in the eye if you have eye pain or redness along with floaters. It might also be a severe eye condition like endophthalmitis or uveitis. Both necessitate prompt medical attention.

Loss of Peripheral Vision

Do you have floaters and a loss of peripheral vision? If so, it might be a symptom of retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, or a detached retina. Get emergency medical assistance if you have a sudden loss of peripheral vision.

Headache and Eye Pain

If you experience a headache, eye pain, and floaters, it could be a migraine with aura. Visual disturbances brought on by this sort of headache include floaters, flashing lights, and zigzag lines. Aura migraines can be uncomfortable and interfere with daily living, but they are typically not dangerous.

Seeing a Curtain or Veil Across Your Vision

If you suddenly see a curtain or veil across your vision, it could signal a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment requires immediate treatment to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Eye Trauma or Injury

Did you recently experience trauma or injury to the eye and are now experiencing floaters? It could indicate a serious eye condition like a retinal tear or detachment. Seek medical attention immediately if you recently sustained an eye injury.

Eye Conditions Associated With Eye Floaters

In some cases, eye floaters may indicate the presence of a severe eye condition, such as:

Retinal Tear or Detachment

This problem occurs when the retina separates from the underlying tissue that nourishes it. Floaters, light flashes, or an unexpected loss of peripheral vision may result. Without prompt treatment, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss.

Vitreous Hemorrhage

A vitreous hemorrhage ensues when blood vessels in the eye rupture into the vitreous fluid. Hence, there are floaters and an abrupt loss of vision. 

Uveitis

The eye's middle layer, the uvea, becomes inflamed when one has uveitis. This may cause floaters, eye pain, redness, and light sensitivity. Infections, autoimmune diseases, or underlying medical issues can contribute to uveitis.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This may cause floaters, blurry vision, and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. 

Conclusion

Knowing the symptoms that could point to a severe eye problem is critical. Keep an eye out and, if necessary, seek immediate medical attention. It will help protect your vision and eye health.

For more on eye floaters, visit Eyes on Preston Park at our Plano, Texas, office. Call (972) 519-0006 to schedule an appointment today.