Eye Floaters Explained

At Lakefront Eyecare, your eye health is our top priority. While some vision changes are harmless, others can signal a more serious condition—especially when they appear suddenly or worsen over time.

Eye floaters are one of the most common visual disturbances our patients report. Although they’re often benign, there are times when floaters can be a sign of a more urgent eye issue. That’s why it’s important to understand what floaters are, what causes them, and when you should reach out to Dr. Dugan for an evaluation.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are small shapes that appear to drift across your field of vision. They may look like:

Tiny specks
Cobwebs
Threads or squiggly lines
Shadowy dots or circles

You’ll typically notice floaters when looking at a bright background, such as a clear sky or a white wall. While it might seem like these shapes are outside your eye, they’re actually within the vitreous humor—the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye.

As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks and becomes more liquid. Tiny clumps of collagen fibers form and cast shadows on the retina, which you perceive as floaters.

Common Causes of Eye Floaters

Most floaters are a normal part of the aging process, especially after age 50. However, other causes can include:

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): As the vitreous pulls away from the retina, new floaters may develop.
Eye injuries or trauma
Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
Bleeding in the eye (often due to diabetic retinopathy)
Retinal tears or retinal detachment

When to Call Lakefront Eyecare About Floaters

While occasional floaters are usually harmless, sudden or severe symptoms may require immediate attention. Contact Lakefront Eyecare right away if you experience:

A sudden increase in floaters
Flashes of light in your peripheral vision
A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision
Blurred vision or loss of side vision

These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is a serious eye emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

How Lakefront Eyecare Evaluates Floaters

At Lakefront Eyecare, we use the latest diagnostic technology to evaluate the cause of your floaters and determine whether further treatment is needed.

Your visit may include:

High-resolution retinal imaging using the Eidon fundus camera: This advanced system captures ultra-clear, wide-field images of the retina without needing to dilate your eyes in many cases. It allows Dr. Dugan to examine your retina in detail for signs of retinal tears, detachment, or other abnormalities.
Dilated eye exam (if necessary): In some cases, dilation is still the best way to get a full view of the retina, and we’ll let you know if this is recommended.

Dr. Dugan will take the time to explain your results clearly and guide you through next steps, if any are needed.

Treatment Options for Floaters

In most cases, no treatment is needed for common age-related floaters. However, if floaters become significantly bothersome or are associated with retinal damage, treatment options may include:

Monitoring and routine follow-ups
Referral to a retina specialist for laser therapy or vitrectomy in more severe cases
Urgent intervention for retinal tears or detachment

Eye Floaters and Your Vision: What You Should Know

Although floaters can be annoying, they’re usually not a cause for alarm. But if they appear suddenly, become more frequent, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

At Lakefront Eyecare, we believe in proactive, personalized care for every patient. If you’ve noticed floaters or other changes in your vision, don’t wait—schedule a comprehensive eye exam today.

Call Lakefront Eyecare Today for Eye Floater Evaluation

Whether your floaters are mild or potentially serious, Dr. Dugan and the team at Lakefront Eyecare are here to provide the answers and care you need. We offer advanced diagnostic tools and a compassionate, patient-centered approach to protect your vision and your peace of mind.

📞 Call us at (504) 565-2900 or use our online scheduler to book your eye exam.

🔍 Early detection is key to preserving your sight—let’s keep your vision clear, together.

Lakefront Eyecare Services for Eye Floaters

High-resolution Eidon retinal imaging
Dilated retinal exams when indicated
Retinal health evaluation
Monitoring of vitreous changes
Urgent care for flashes, floaters, or retinal symptoms
Coordination with retina specialists when needed

Eye Floaters Detection and Treatment | Lakefront Eyecare

Don’t ignore changes in your vision. Whether it’s new floaters, flashes, or other concerns, trust Lakefront Eyecare for accurate diagnosis and attentive care. Your eyesight is precious—protect it with a team who puts your vision first.