Have you noticed small spots, strings, or cobweb-like images drifting across your vision? These are called eye floaters. While usually harmless, floaters can sometimes be an early sign of eye disease that requires professional attention.
At Village Visions, many patients bring up floaters during their comprehensive eye exams. If you’re searching for an optometrist in Skaneateles, NY, here’s what you should know about floaters and when to schedule an exam.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
Floaters develop when tiny clumps form in the vitreous, the clear gel inside the eye. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, which you see as spots drifting when your eyes move.
Common causes include:
- Normal aging of the vitreous gel
- Shrinkage or liquefaction of the vitreous over time
- Small fibers or debris floating in the eye’s fluid
Most floaters are simply part of the natural aging process and do not pose a threat to vision.
When Floaters Are Harmless
For many people, floaters are:
- Permanent but manageable – They usually don’t disappear, but most patients learn to ignore them.
- Non-threatening – Floaters rarely cause vision loss.
- Mildly distracting – They may be bothersome, but they typically don’t interfere with daily life.
When to See an Eye Doctor in Skaneateles, NY
Some floaters should not be ignored. Contact Village Visions right away if you notice:
- A sudden increase in new floaters
- Bright flashes of light in your vision
- A curtain-like shadow or loss of side vision
These symptoms may point to a retinal tear or detachment, which requires urgent treatment. Our eyecare team provides expert eye disease management to protect your vision in these cases.
What to Expect During an Eye Exam
When you visit Village Visions for a floater concern, our optometrist will:
- Perform a dilated retina examination to view the vitreous and retina
- Check for retinal tears, detachment, or other eye disease
- Discuss your vision symptoms and recommend follow-up care if needed
Routine eye exams are the best way to detect issues early and maintain long-term vision health.
Expert Vision Care in Skaneateles, NY
At Village Visions, we combine advanced diagnostic technology with personalized care for every patient. From routine vision checks to specialty services like contact lenses and disease management, we are proud to be the best eye doctor in Skaneateles, NY.
If you’ve noticed new floaters or changes in your vision, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with Village Visions today and protect your sight.
FAQs About Eye Floaters
- Do floaters ever go away?
- No, floaters typically remain, but many patients find them less noticeable over time.
- Can floaters be treated?
- Treatment is rarely necessary. Surgery may be considered only in severe cases where floaters disrupt daily vision.
- Are floaters dangerous?
- Most floaters are harmless. However, sudden changes—especially floaters with flashes or peripheral vision loss—require prompt care.
