Floaters & PVD: What You Need To Know

What are floaters?

Floaters are small shapes that appear in your field of vision. Patients often describe them as:

• Black or grey dots

• Small specks

• Thread-like strands

• Cobweb shapes

• Transparent squiggles

They tend float across your vision, particularly when your eyes move and may be especially noticeable when looking at bright backgrounds, such as a clear sky, a computer screen, or a white wall.

Floaters do not sit on the surface of the eye — they are inside the eye itself.

Floaters are usually caused by changes in the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of your eye.

When you are younger, the vitreous gel has a firm, smooth consistency. However, as part of the natural ageing process, the vitreous slowly becomes more liquid and less uniform. Small clumps or strands can form within the gel, and these cast tiny shadows on the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye). These shadows are what you see as floaters.

This process is completely normal and happens to most people over time.

WHAT IS PVD?

Posterior Vitreous Detachment, or PVD, occurs when the vitreous gel separates from the retina at the back of the eye.

This may sound alarming, but in most cases, PVD does not cause permanent damage to your vision.

As the vitreous gel becomes more liquid, it can pull away from the retina. When this happens, patients often notice:

• A sudden increase in floaters

• New floaters appearing quickly

• Flashes of light in their vision

• Changes in existing floaters

PVD is very common, especially in people over the age of 50, and it becomes increasingly likely with age.

IS PVD DANGEROUS?

In the vast majority of cases, floaters and PVD are harmless and do not require treatment.

Many patients find that floaters become less noticeable over time. This happens because your brain gradually learns to ignore them, the floaters settle lower in your eyes or they move out of your main line of sight.

However, while most cases are harmless, it is very important to have new floaters or flashes checked promptly.

When the vitreous pulls away from the retina, it can occasionally cause traction on the retina. In a small number of cases, this can lead to a retinal tear or retinal detachment.  These conditions do require urgent assessment and treatment to prevent potential vision loss.

Early detection is extremely important and allows appropriate monitoring or referral if necessary.  Even if symptoms turn out to be harmless, it is always safest to have them professionally assessed.

when to get in touch with us

You should contact us or seek urgent eye care immediately if you notice:

• A sudden increase in floaters

• New flashes of light, especially in side vision

• A dark curtain or shadow in your vision

• Sudden blurred or distorted vision

• A large new floater

• A sudden change in your normal floaters

These symptoms do not always mean something serious is happening — but they should always be checked as soon as possible.

It is completely understandable to feel concerned if you suddenly notice floaters or flashes.  The reassuring news is that most floaters and cases of PVD are a normal part of ageing and do not threaten your sight.  The key is to ensure that new symptoms are properly assessed so that any rare but serious problems can be identified early.

At Faith Donaldson Optometrists, we are here to provide reassurance, expert assessment, and prompt care when needed.

If you are experiencing floaters, flashes, or any changes in your vision, we are here to help.  Our experienced team provides professional, thorough eye examinations in a friendly and reassuring environment.  If you’re concerned and would like to book in for a check up, click here to book an appointment or call us on (028)41769393.

Your eye health and peace of mind are our priority.