Squiggly eyes often refer to the visual phenomenon known as eye floaters, where individuals perceive squiggly lines or threads in their field of vision. These floaters are usually related to changes in the vitreous humor, the fluid that fills the eye.
Understanding Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are a common occurrence, especially as we age. Here's a breakdown:
- What are they? Eye floaters are small shapes that drift across your field of vision. They can appear as:
- Squiggly lines
- Threads
- Spots
- Cobwebs
- Why do they happen? According to the reference, eye floaters happen when the vitreous humor (fluid) changes its thickness. As the vitreous humor changes, small clumps or strands can form, casting shadows on the retina. These shadows are what we perceive as floaters.
- Are they serious? In most cases, eye floaters are harmless and don't require treatment. They often become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts to them.
- When to see a doctor: It's important to consult an eye care provider if you experience a sudden onset of many floaters, flashes of light, or a change in vision. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as a retinal detachment.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Squiggly lines, threads, spots, cobwebs |
| Cause | Changes in the thickness of the vitreous humor |
| Commonality | Common, especially with age |
| When to worry | Sudden onset of many floaters, flashes of light, change in vision |
| When to seek help | Consult an eye care provider |
While typically benign, sudden changes in floaters warrant medical attention to rule out underlying issues affecting the eye.
