You are likely seeing circles in your vision due to eye floaters, which are caused by changes in the jelly-like substance inside your eyes called the vitreous.
Understanding Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are often described as small spots, lines, or even cobwebs that drift across your field of vision. They can sometimes appear as circles. Here’s a breakdown:
- What are they? Eye floaters are shadows cast on your retina by small clumps of collagen fibers within the vitreous humor (the jelly-like substance that fills the space between your lens and retina).
- Why do they form? According to the provided reference, most eye floaters are caused by age-related changes that occur as the vitreous liquifies and contracts. This process can cause collagen fibers to clump together, forming the floaters you see.
- How do they appear as circles? While floaters can take various shapes, sometimes the way light refracts and shadows are cast can make them appear circular or ring-like. This is simply due to the shape of the clump and the way it interacts with light.
Common Causes of Floaters
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Age-Related Changes | The primary cause. As you age, the vitreous becomes more liquid and less jelly-like, causing collagen to clump. |
| Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) | The vitreous separates from the retina, sometimes causing a sudden increase in floaters. |
| Retinal Tears or Detachment | While less common, these can also lead to floaters, often accompanied by flashes of light. |
| Eye Inflammation (Uveitis) | Inflammation can cause floaters and other visual disturbances. |
| Bleeding in the Eye | Bleeding can cause floaters that may appear suddenly, and it is also known as Vitreous hemorrhage. |
When to See a Doctor
While floaters are often harmless, it's essential to consult an eye doctor if you experience any of the following:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- A darkening or loss of peripheral vision
- Pain in the eye
These symptoms can indicate a more serious condition such as a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.
Practical Insights
- Most people will develop floaters at some point in their life, especially as they get older.
- Floaters can be more noticeable when looking at a bright background, like a clear sky or a white wall.
- In most cases, floaters become less noticeable over time as you adjust to them or they move out of your central vision.
The provided reference clearly explains that the primary reason for seeing eye floaters is age-related changes causing the vitreous to liquify and contract which then leads to collagen clumps casting shadows on the retina.
