You may have noticed little specks drifting through your vision before, which may appear as lines, circles, or dark shadows. These are called floaters, and they’re very common. Although most people experience them, it’s natural to wonder what causes them and whether they’re connected to other conditions, such as dry eye.
We care about more than just your sight and want to help you understand a complete picture of your visual health. While dry eye and floaters are 2 distinct conditions that can occur at the same time, there is no direct evidence to suggest that dry eye causes floaters. They affect different parts of your eye and have separate underlying causes.
What Are Floaters and What Causes Them?
You may occasionally see small shapes drift across your vision, commonly referred to as floaters. These are tiny clumps of cells or protein inside the gel-like substance that fills your eye (the vitreous). What you see are the shadows these clumps of cells or proteins cast on your retina as light enters the eye.
What Do Floaters Look Like?
Floaters can appear in various forms, and their shape may differ from person to person. You might see them as:
- Dots
- Squiggly lines
- Cobwebs
- Rings
- Strands
What Are Common Triggers for Floaters?
Most floaters are a normal part of the aging process of your eyes. As you get older, the vitreous gel in your eyes naturally becomes more liquid. This change sometimes allows small clumps to form and float around more freely inside your eye.
Does Dehydration Affect Floaters?
While dehydration can affect your overall health and may contribute to eye discomfort, it is not a direct cause of floaters. Proper hydration is important for many of your body’s functions, including those that support your eye health. Maintaining good hydration can help with symptoms of dry eye, but it won’t remove existing floaters.
The Link Between Dry Eye and Floaters
It’s common to wonder if different eye symptoms you experience are connected. Floaters and dry eye are 2 different conditions, but you may experience them at the same time. Understanding the difference can help you manage your eye health.
Dry Eye and Floaters Are Distinct
There isn’t a direct link showing that dry eye syndrome causes floaters to form. Floaters occur inside your eye within the vitreous gel. Dry eye symptoms, on the other hand, affect the surface of your eye, involving your tears, glands, and eyelids.
Dry Eye Can Make You Notice Floaters
If your eyes feel irritated or uncomfortable due to dryness, you may become more aware of things in your vision you wouldn’t normally focus on. The discomfort from dry eye can draw your attention inward, making existing floaters seem more prominent. You are not seeing more floaters than usual; you are just noticing them more.
When Floaters May Point to a Concern
In most cases, floaters are harmless and simply a normal part of the eye’s natural aging process. However, a sudden change in their appearance or number can sometimes signal a more serious issue. It’s helpful to know what signs to look for.
Signs to Look for with New Floaters
Pay close attention to your vision if you experience any of these sudden changes. These symptoms may indicate a new or developing issue that calls for further examination:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters
- Flashes of light that look like a camera flash
- A shadow or curtain in your peripheral (or side) vision
- A sudden decrease in your vision clarity or brightness
Why You Should Contact an Eye Doctor
These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires prompt assessment to protect your vision. An eye doctor can perform an in-depth exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, which may require immediate attention. From there, they can discuss the next steps with you.
How an Eye Doctor Manages Floaters
When you visit an eye doctor about floaters, they will perform a thorough examination to assess the health of your eyes. The main focus will be on your retina (the back of your eye) and vitreous. This helps determine if the floaters are normal or related to another condition.
What to Expect at Your Eye Exam
Your eye doctor may use special drops to dilate your pupils. This widens the pupil, allowing them to get a clear, unobstructed view of the inside of your eye. The exam is straightforward and helps your eye doctor check for any potential issues related to your floaters.
Can Eye Drops Help with Floaters?
Currently, there are no eye drops available that can dissolve or remove floaters. Since floaters are located deep inside the eye’s vitreous, surface treatments like eye drops are not effective for them. Any treatment would need to address the vitreous gel itself.
Eye Health for the Whole Family
Regular eye exams are a key part of maintaining good eye health for everyone in your family, from children to seniors. These appointments help monitor changes in vision and check for eye conditions. Following recommended guidelines can help you stay on track with your family’s visual well-being.
Eye Exam Schedule for Adults and Seniors
For adults, the frequency of eye exams often depends on age and overall health. A typical schedule may look like this:
- Adults (20–39 years): Every 2–3 years
- Adults (40–64 years): Every 2 years
- Adults (65 years or older): Every year
Eye Exam Schedule for Children and Teens
Children’s eyes develop rapidly, making regular check-ups important for their learning and development. We generally suggest this schedule for people below 20 years old:
- Infants and toddlers: A first exam between 6–9 months
- Preschool children (2–5 years): At least one exam in this period
- School-age children (6–19 years): Annually
When to Schedule an Eye Appointment
Understanding the difference between floaters and dry eye helps you better manage your eye health. While floaters are usually a normal part of the aging process of the eye, any sudden changes in your vision should be evaluated by an optometrist.
Our purpose is to serve you and your family, helping you manage your visual health, from how comfortably you see to how your eyes affect your overall well-being. If you have concerns about floaters or any other aspects of your vision, schedule a visit with an eye doctor in Edmonton. Contact Calgary Trail Vision Centre today to book an appointment for you or your family.