Seeing spots or floaters in your vision can look like specks, cobwebs, and threads that drift across your line of sight. They typically come and go, only becoming noticeable when you stare at a wide area like the sky.
Most of the time, these spots aren’t serious and are a normal part of aging. However, it can also be a warning sign for a serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.
What Causes Seeing Spots in Vision?
An eye specialist can help you identify the root cause of seeing spots, so we always recommend seeing a professional. However, we listed several common causes so you know what to discuss with your doctor.
These are the common causes of vision spots:
- Eye injury or trauma. Eye injuries can damage the retina, leading to flashes of light. If you have an eye injury, seek immediate medical attention – you may need surgery.
- Eye disease. Some diseases that can cause dark spots include age-related macular degeneration, macular holes, macular pucker, and juvenile macular dystrophy.
- Bleeding eyes. Blood can get into the vitreous, causing spots. Some conditions that can cause you to bleed include diabetes, retinal tears, high blood pressure, and injury.
- Aging. Your eye health deteriorates with age, and your vision becomes weaker. Many floaters, spots, and flashes happen due to vitreous changes as you age.
- Posterior uveitis. Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye wall (uvea). Posterior uveitis affects the back of the eye, including the retina and choroid.
- Eye medications. Certain medications can cause air bubbles in the vitreous, causing shadows.
- Eye surgeries. Surgeries that affect the vitreous, like cataract surgery, can cause floaters or seeing spots.
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Occurs when the vitreous starts to shrink and pull away from the retina. This causes microscopic fibers to clump together and cast shadows on the retina, resulting in spots.
Risk Factors for Seeing Spots
Certain factors can increase your risk of seeing spots. They include the following:
- Being nearsighted
- A family history of diabetes
- Having eye inflammation or inflammatory diseases
- Experiencing visual disturbances during or before a migraine
If you are at risk of seeing spots and start seeing them or experiencing other symptoms related to poor vision, you should consult a doctor for treatment.
When Are Seeing Spots Serious?
Seeing spots aren’t always a cause for concern. However, if you’re experiencing visual problems, you may require treatment.
For example, floaters and seeing spots can signify a retinal tear or detachment. This happens when the vitreous pulls on the retina with enough force to create a break or even a separation.
Unlike the benign floaters of PVD, these situations require prompt medical attention to prevent potential vision loss.
Here are some signs that your seeing spots are serious:
- Sudden increase in floaters
- Floaters accompanied by flashes of light
- Dark shadows or curtain-like effects block your vision
- Blurry or distorted vision
How to Treat Seeing Spots in Vision
If you require treatment for seeing spots, it depends on what’s causing them. For example, your ophthalmologist may perform laser photocoagulation if you have a torn retina. This involves using a laser to make tiny burns around your retina tear to create a barrier of scar tissue and stop it from tearing more.
Another laser treatment is YAG vitreolysis, which vaporizes floaters by heating them. However, this treatment is controversial.
In rare cases where floaters severely affect vision, a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy might be recommended. This involves removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a clear solution.
If your eye floaters are due to an eye disease or diabetes, your doctor will prescribe certain medications and a course of treatment that addresses the root of the floaters.
Can You Prevent Vision Problems?
Unfortunately, there’s no magical cure for floaters. The best way to prevent them is to maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports overall eye health.
Here are our suggestions to promote eye health:
- Take frequent breaks from screens to avoid digital eye strain. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on an object 20 feet away.
- Ensure your computer is slightly below eye level, your screens are dust-free, and your workspace is properly lit.
- You can use blue light filters to prevent excessive exposure, which can disrupt sleep and contribute to eye strain.
- Eat a healthy diet of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to protect your eyes.
Even if you’re not experiencing problems, regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good vision.
An eye doctor can detect early signs of eye diseases or conditions that you might not even be aware of. Early detection and treatment can make a difference in preserving your eyesight.
In this article
