It's normal to have an occasional translucent floater or one or two small dark floaters.
Understanding Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are small shapes that drift across your field of vision. They can appear as spots, threads, or cobwebs. While they may seem concerning, they are often a common and harmless occurrence. According to experts, occasional floaters are generally considered normal.
What is normal?
| Floater Type | Frequency | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Translucent floaters | Occasional | Normal |
| One or two small dark floaters | Occasional | Usually normal |
Dr. Davis explains, "It's very normal to have an occasional translucent floater or one or two small dark floaters that you see every now and then—almost everyone sees those. Those types of floaters are very common and there are usually not any issues with those." This indicates that experiencing a few floaters from time to time is a typical visual phenomenon.
When to be Concerned:
While the occasional floater is normal, there are times when floaters may indicate a more serious problem. If you experience:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters
- Flashes of light
- Vision loss
You should seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. These symptoms can sometimes be associated with retinal tears or detachments, which require prompt treatment.
Common Questions
- Are floaters a sign of age? While they are more common with age, anyone can experience them.
- Can I make floaters go away? There is no method to remove them by yourself. Some floaters may gradually become less noticeable over time. If they become troublesome, you should talk to your eye doctor about possible treatment options.
- What causes floaters? Most floaters result from age-related changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye.
In summary, having an occasional translucent floater or a couple of small dark floaters is typically considered normal. However, any sudden changes or increased floaters should be evaluated by an eye care professional.
