Have you ever experienced eye floaters or spots that seem to move within your field of vision? Seven out of ten people experience eye floaters at some point in their life, so chances are you have experienced them already or you will someday. Today we will be sharing more about floaters and answering the question “Do eye floaters go away?” Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are lines or spots that move throughout your field of vision. They are not painful, but they are often accompanied by sensitivity to light. These spots move with your vision, so they will move around when you try to look at them.

If you look at a bright light for too long, you might see temporary floaters for a few moments. You might even notice them after staring at a white wall or piece of paper. But some people experience floaters at other times, such as before or during a migraine. When people experience these vision spots more frequently, it is typically due to changes in the vitreous, collagen, and water gel that circulates in the eyes. As people age, this vitreous breaks down, and shadows on the retina can look like dark spots.

Floaters vs. Flashers

There is a subtle difference between eye floaters and eye flashers. Like we said earlier, floaters are spots that move throughout your field of vision. Eye flashers, on the other hand, are bright spots that appear momentarily and then disappear. They may come and go for a period of time. Eye flashers can be a result of retina stimulation, ocular trauma, or migraines.

Learn more about eye flashers and floaters.

Do Eye Floaters Go Away?

Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. For some people, floaters go away after a few minutes or a longer period of time. For others, they are permanent—they might change in size or number, but they are always present. There are several factors that can cause them, including:

  • Medication
  • Eye trauma
  • Surgery
  • Age
  • Nearsightedness
  • Migraines
  • Tumors

For permanent eye floaters, there are a few treatment options that might help eliminate or reduce them. A specialist can perform surgery to remove the vitreous and replace it with a solution that helps the eye maintain its ideal shape. This surgery might remove some floaters—at the same time, it might bring on more.

Another alternative for removing floaters is with a laser. A laser might break them up so that they are smaller and interfere less with your vision. Talk with your ophthalmologist to see if either of these treatment options is available for you.

What Makes Eye Floaters Worse?

There are several things that can make eye floaters worsen, including:

  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol
  • Extended screen time
  • Lack of sleep
  • Dehydration
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Unhealthy diet

Can Eye Floaters Get Better Over Time?

Often, eye floaters will become less noticeable or disappear completely over time. If you experience this, you don’t need to seek medical attention from an ophthalmologist.

When Should I Worry about Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are not typically a reason to worry. However, it is important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you notice any sudden changes, such as an increased number of floaters, larger floaters, or a loss of vision. Your eye doctor will evaluate your eyes and refer you to a specialist if needed. We always recommend seeing an eye doctor if you have any concerns at all about a change in your vision. If there is a more serious problem, catching it sooner than later can make a big difference in treatment.

Eye Floater Treatment in Austin

If you live in Austin, Texas, or the surrounding area, the ophthalmologists at Broberg Eye Care are here to answer your questions about eye floaters and help you pursue necessary treatment. We provide screening and treatment for patients who experience a sudden change in eye flashers or floaters. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.