Floaters

Floaters are deposits of natural materials that are present within the eye’s vitreous humour. The vitreous humour is a clear jelly located inside the eye that is attached to the retina. Floaters typically increase in number as we age, however they may also be caused by disease or injury. Floaters are visible because of the shadows they cast on the retina. Common symptoms of floaters include the appearance of spots, threads, fragments or cobwebs, floating slowly in the visual field.

Floaters are generally harmless yet can be associated with retinal holes or tears which can increase the risk of developing a retinal detachment. Anyone who notices the sudden onset of floaters is recommended to have a Dilated Fundus Examination (DFE) performed where eye drops are instilled in the eye to dilate (expand) the pupil. A dilation allows the optometrist to see to the very edge of the retina where retinal holes and tears commonly develop. After their eye examination, the Optometrist will decide if the patient needs to be referred to an Ophthalmologist.