Eye Health
Floaters are one of the most common eye complaints we hear — and most are entirely benign. But occasionally they're a warning sign that demands same-day evaluation. Here's how to tell the difference.
Floaters are shadows cast on the retina by small clumps of collagen or cells in the vitreous — the gel filling the back of the eye. They appear as dots, strings, or cobwebs that drift when you move your eyes. They become more common with age as the vitreous liquefies, and are more prevalent in myopic patients.
Stable floaters that have been present for months or years, that vary with lighting conditions, and that aren't associated with flashes or vision changes almost certainly represent benign vitreous changes. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — a normal age-related process — often produces a sudden batch of new floaters that, once evaluated and confirmed benign, can be observed rather than treated.
Contact us immediately — or go to an emergency room if we're unavailable — if you experience:
These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment — conditions requiring urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. A tear caught before detachment has an excellent prognosis. Don't wait.
Harnos Optometry performs dilated fundus examinations and retinal imaging for patients with new floaters. Call (845) 255-4696 for urgent evaluation.
Harnos Optometry provides expert eye care for the whole family. New patients welcome — book online 24/7.
222 Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561 · (845) 255-4696
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