Patients frequently ask me about seeing spots in their vision. While most “spots” or “floaters” are not harmful, they may be an indication of a serious problem. It is always a good idea to check with an optometrist if you are noticing them more frequently or if you have sudden changes in your eyes or eyesight.

Floaters are small, cloudy specks or particles within the vitreous – the clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes. They usually appear as specks of various shapes and sizes or threadlike strands. When light enters the eye, a vitreous floater casts a shadow on the retina. It is the shadow that is perceived by the brain. This is why floaters are often more visible in bright conditions. Because they are within your eyes, they move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. 

Floaters are often caused by small flecks of protein or other matter trapped during the formation of your eyes before birth. They can also result from deterioration of the vitreous fluid due to aging. Certain eye diseases or injuries can also create floaters in one or both eyes. 

Most floaters are not harmful and rarely limit vision. However, if they are bothering you or you notice an increase in how often you see them or the number you see, I suggest making an appointment, as they can be an indication of a bigger problem. By dilating your pupils and examining the retina (the inside lining of the eye next to the vitreous), I can determine if what you are seeing is harmless or the symptom of a more serious problem, such as a retinal tear or detachment, which requires treatment.

Your eyes and eyesight are our primary concern at Crozet Eye Care, Optometrists so if you have questions about floaters or any aspect of your vision, always feel free to give us at call at (434) 823-4441.

Pink eye

There are different types of pink eye (conjunctivitis): allergic, viral, and bacterial. We have an exciting new test to help diagnose viral conjunctivitis. It is nice to have a definitive diagnosis so antibiotics are properly prescribed.

TIP: If you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge from the eyes is highly contagious. Be sure to wash your hands especially after touching your eyes and do not to share face towels with anyone.

Flashes/floaters

While most flashes and floaters are not retinal detachments, holes, or tears, the only way to properly assess their risk is to dilate the pupils and directly view the retina. Since retinal abnormalities do not cause pain, they sometimes go unnoticed. The Optomap Retinal Imaging system allows me to document changes in the retina at each visit. The patient can actually see what is happening to the retina when there is a problem.

TIP: Make an appointment ASAP if you have new floaters or flashes in your vision. Delaying the diagnosis of a retinal detachment may cause you to lose your sight.

Glaucoma

The most common form of glaucoma is associated with high eye pressure. Therefore we check pressure during every comprehensive exam. I personally never liked having air puffed in my eyes, so I use different methods of checking pressure. Most of you have experienced the light that “makes a funny noise” in the office, but now we have an even newer instrument. The iCare tonometer does not require drops or a puff of air. It is an easy way to check the pressure at any age.

TIP: Even someone with perfect vision can have glaucoma, so I recommend everyone have a comprehensive exam to assess their risk and record baseline data.