Q&A: Eye Floaters
| Wellness | Healthy You
I have started seeing specks or floaters in my right eye. What can I do to correct this?
Seeing floaters—spots or strings that float across your field of vision—is quite common, especially in people who are nearsighted, have previously had eye surgery or injury, or have diabetes. These specks are actually clusters of cells in the vitreous humor, the clear viscous material that fills the back portion of the eyeball. The clusters float in this gel-like material, moving with your eye and casting a shadow that you see as a speck on your retina.
For most people, floaters are harmless and fairly easy to tolerate. However, the sudden onset of these threads can signal a retinal problem that may lead to vision loss. Retinal disease is caused when the vitreous humor pulls away from the retina. If the retina tears and separates, it is called a retinal detachment, and this can lead to permanent vision loss.
If you experience this warning sign, see an eye care professional for a dilated exam as soon as possible. With early detection and treatment, a doctor can often prevent the retina from detaching and preserve your vision.
