What Are Eye Floaters? Here What To Do If you Start Seeing Them, According to an Eye Doctor

August 16, 2025 by admin

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### 🧠 Are Floaters Normal?

Yes—in most cases, floaters are a **normal part of the aging process**. They’re especially common in people over 50, those who are nearsighted, or have had eye surgery or trauma.

**BUT**: a sudden increase in floaters, especially when accompanied by **flashes of light or partial vision loss**, can be a warning sign of something more serious.

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### 🚨 When to Call an Eye Doctor Immediately

Floaters are usually harmless, but you should see an eye doctor if:

* You notice a **sudden increase** in floaters
* You start seeing **flashes of light**
* It feels like a **“curtain” is falling** across your vision
* You experience **blurred or reduced vision**

These symptoms could indicate a **retinal tear or detachment**, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

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### 👨‍⚕️ What an Eye Doctor Will Do

If you report floaters to an eye specialist, they’ll likely:

* Perform a **dilated eye exam** to get a better look at your retina and vitreous
* Check for signs of retinal damage or bleeding
* Recommend monitoring or treatment based on what they find

In most cases, no treatment is needed. However, if floaters are severe and interfere with vision, procedures like **vitrectomy** or **laser therapy** may be discussed—but these are typically reserved for extreme cases.

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### ✅ Tips for Managing Floaters

* **Ignore them**: Your brain will often adjust and learn to tune them out over time.
* **Move your eyes**: Shifting your gaze up and down may help move floaters out of your line of sight.
* **Protect your eyes**: Wear sunglasses, manage chronic conditions like diabetes, and get regular eye exams.

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### Final Thoughts

Eye floaters are usually **nothing to worry about**, but they’re worth paying attention to—especially if they change suddenly. When in doubt, **see an eye doctor**. It’s always better to be safe when it comes to your vision.

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