Spots and Floaters

Help! I’m seeing spots!

If you’re seeing specks or threads floating across your line of vision, don’t worry. In most cases, spots (or floaters as they’re also called) are a normal occurrence and not harmful.

Spots are caused by small clumps or flecks of protein or other matter in the vitreous (clear, jelly-like fluid) that fills the inside of your eyes. Spots can be semi-transparent or cloudy, and come in various sizes and shapes (they can be small dots, threads or even web-like). You see more spots and floaters as you age because the vitreous fluid hardens or clumps. Some floaters are present from birth, trapped inside the vitreous during the formation of the eyes. Spots also may appear when the eye suffers an injury or illness.

Most spots and floaters are not harmful, and do not require treatment. If you see a sudden increase in the number of spots or floaters, however, especially if they are accompanied by flashes of light or loss of peripheral vision, it may be a warning that a more serious, vision-threatening condition exists. Call your optometrist’s office immediately if this occurs.

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