If you’ve ever noticed tiny specks, cobwebs, or shadows drifting across your vision, you’re likely experiencing eye floaters. While these small, shadowy shapes may seem harmless, they can sometimes indicate underlying eye conditions that require attention. But can an eye doctor actually see your floaters during an eye exam? The short answer is yes—but let’s take a closer look at how floaters are detected, when they’re a cause for concern, and what an eye exam can reveal.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Floaters are tiny clumps of gel-like material within the vitreous humor, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. As light passes through the eye, these clumps cast shadows on the retina, creating the illusion of moving spots in your vision.
Common causes of floaters include the following:
- Aging-related vitreous changes: Over time, the vitreous begins to shrink and liquefy, forming clumps.
- Eye injuries or trauma: Blunt force to the eye can cause changes in the vitreous, leading to floaters.
- Inflammation (Uveitis): Swelling in the eye due to infections or autoimmune conditions can create floaters.
- Retinal tears or detachment: In rare cases, floaters may be an early warning sign of a serious retinal problem that requires urgent medical care.
Can an Eye Doctor See Your Floaters?
Yes, an experienced ophthalmologist like Dr. James Kelly at Kelly Vision can detect floaters during a comprehensive eye exam. To do this, your doctor will perform a dilated eye exam, which allows for a detailed view of the vitreous and retina.
How Are Floaters Diagnosed?
During your visit to Kelly Vision, Dr. Kelly will use specialized diagnostic tools to evaluate your eye health and determine if your floaters are harmless or require treatment.
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Pupil Dilation
Eye drops are used to widen your pupils, giving Dr. Kelly a clearer view inside your eye.
Slit Lamp Examination
A high-powered microscope helps detect floaters and assess their size and movement.
Indirect Ophthalmoscopy
Your doctor can examine the retina using a bright light and a special lens for any signs of damage, tears, or detachment.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Ultrasound (if needed)
In some cases, advanced imaging may be used to closely examine the vitreous and retina.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor About Floaters?
While floaters are common and often harmless, there are times when you should seek immediate medical attention. Contact Kelly Vision right away if you experience:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light in your peripheral vision
- A dark curtain or shadow blocking part of your vision
- Blurry vision or eye pain
These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent vision loss.
Treatment Options for Eye Floaters
Floaters do not require treatment for most people and may become less noticeable over time. However, if floaters significantly interfere with vision, treatment options may include:
- Laser Vitreolysis: A laser breaks apart large floaters, reducing their visual impact.
- Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure that removes the vitreous and replaces it with a clear fluid to eliminate floaters. This is typically reserved for severe cases.
Protect Your Vision with Regular Eye Exams
At Kelly Vision, we are committed to providing personalized, state-of-the-art care for all your eye health concerns. Led by Dr. James Kelly, a board-certified ophthalmologist and the Director of Refractive Surgery Education at Northwell Health and The Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, our practice combines decades of expertise, advanced diagnostic technology, and a patient-first approach to ensure the highest standard of vision care.
With over 20 years of experience and over 50,000 successful LASIK and cataract procedures, Dr. Kelly is a recognized leader in vision correction and ophthalmic surgery. Trusted by doctors, athletes, and celebrities, he brings an unmatched level of skill and precision to every patient he treats.
Whether you’re experiencing floaters, vision changes, or simply need a routine checkup, Dr. Kelly and his highly trained team are dedicated to providing expert guidance, early detection of eye conditions, and tailored treatment plans designed to protect and enhance your vision.
Don’t leave your eye health to chance. If you’ve noticed floaters or any sudden changes in your vision, schedule a consultation with Kelly Vision today. Your eyesight is invaluable—trust it to the experts who are redefining vision correction in New York City and Long Island.
