Floaters are a general term used to describe a range of visual phenomena that can range from small specks, flashes, threads, or cobweb-shaved images that appear in your field of vision. In most cases floaters are not a cause for immediate concern, but in certain situations floaters require emergency eye care. If you’re concerned about floaters, Dr. Brian Abrams, an experienced eye doctor near Vaughan can help you identify the cause of the problem and guide you with tailored treatments. To learn how to safely respond to eye floaters, keep reading.
When Are Eye Floaters an Emergency?
Since eye floaters are common and may not always be the symptom of a more serious problem, it’s important to first discern when your situation requires emergency eye care. If you’re worried about a vision problem or eye phenomenon, it’s safest to reach out to an eye doctor in Vaughan to get professional answers and support.
The shapes that can sometimes appear in our vision are typically caused by clumps of protein and cells that cast shadows on the retina. Depending on the environment, the visibility of floaters can vary. Eye floaters will become more noticeable in well-lit and bright spaces.
When Do You Need Emergency Eye Care?
Eye floaters may be a warning sign of a more serious condition if you notice a sudden surge in the number of floaters you’re seeing. An increase in floaters can occur as a result of a retinal tear or retinal detachment which is an urgent situation, requiring immediate emergency eye care.
Flashes of light in combination with eye floaters are also a sign of retinal detachment. If you or someone in your care is experiencing bright streaks along with the floaters, there may be an issue with the retina. Visiting Dr. Brian Abrams, your trusted eye doctor in Vaughan, you can book a thorough eye exam to identify if something more serious is happening.
A decrease in your peripheral vision or a reduction in your visual field is also a major warning sign of an eye emergency.
What Causes Retinal Detachment?
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, becomes separated from its underlying tissue. This separation can lead to vision loss if not promptly treated. There are several factors that can lead to retinal detachment, but the issues that lead to it can be identified and prevented with care from a trained eye doctor in Vaughan.
How to Respond to Eye Floaters?
Maintain Composure: The sight of floaters might cause concern, but remember that they typically pose no threat and are a natural outcome of the aging process. Stay calm.
Allow Time: In most instances, eye floaters tend to diminish over time and become less conspicuous as your brain adapts to their presence.
Monitor Changes: Remain attentive to any alterations in your perception of floaters. If you observe a sudden surge in their number or notice accompanying flashes of light, this could potentially signal a retinal tear or detachment.
Consult an Eye Doctor Near Vaughan: If unease regarding your eye floaters persists or if your vision undergoes sudden changes, scheduling an eye examination is advisable. A qualified eye doctor can ascertain whether your floaters are a benign occurrence or indicative of a more serious condition.
To protect your eye health, from preventative eye exams to emergency eye care, visit Dr. Brian Abrams.
