Seeing Floaters in Your Vision?
Eye floaters are one of the most common reasons patients contact our office for urgent eye care. 
While many floaters are a normal part of aging, a sudden increase in floaters—especially when accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your vision—may signal a retinal tear or retinal detachment and should be evaluated immediately.
At Boerne Vision Center, we evaluate patients experiencing new floaters, flashes of light, sudden vision changes, and other retinal warning signs.
We proudly serve patients throughout Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, San Antonio, Leon Springs, Bulverde, Spring Branch, Comfort, and surrounding Texas Hill Country communities.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Floaters are small spots, specks, strands, cobwebs, or shadowy shapes that drift through your field of vision.
Many people notice floaters most easily when looking at:
- A bright blue sky
- A white wall
- A computer screen
- A brightly lit room
Although floaters may appear to be floating in front of your eye, they are actually located inside the eye within the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance that fills the back of the eye.
As light enters the eye, these tiny clumps cast shadows onto the retina, creating the appearance of spots or strands drifting through your vision.
What Causes Floaters?
The most common cause of floaters is age-related change within the vitreous.
As we age, the vitreous gradually becomes more liquid and less gel-like.
Small collagen fibers can clump together and cast shadows on the retina.
Common causes include:
Age-Related Vitreous Changes
The most common cause of floaters in adults over 50.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
A natural separation of the vitreous from the retina that becomes more common with age.
Retinal Tears
Sometimes the vitreous can pull strongly enough on the retina to create a tear.
Retinal Detachment
A serious sight-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.
Diabetes
Diabetic eye disease can sometimes cause bleeding inside the eye, resulting in new floaters.
Eye Inflammation
Inflammatory conditions inside the eye may create floaters.
Eye Injury or Trauma
Injuries can sometimes trigger vitreous or retinal changes.
Are Floaters Dangerous?
Most floaters are not dangerous.
However, a sudden change in floaters should never be ignored.
According to both the American Optometric Association and the National Eye Institute, a sudden increase in floaters may be associated with a retinal tear or retinal detachment. 
These conditions require prompt evaluation to help protect vision.
When Should You Be Concerned About Floaters?
Schedule an urgent eye examination immediately if you experience:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- New flashes of light
- A curtain, veil, or shadow across your vision
- Loss of side vision
- Sudden blurred vision
- New floaters following eye trauma
The American Optometric Association identifies flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, and curtain-like vision loss as important warning signs that may indicate retinal detachment.
What Are Flashes of Light?
Flashes often appear as:
- Lightning streaks
- Sparkles
- Camera-flash effects
- Brief bursts of light in side vision
Flashes occur when the vitreous pulls on the retina.
While flashes may occur during a normal posterior vitreous detachment, they can also indicate retinal tears that require urgent medical evaluation.
How Are Floaters Diagnosed?
A comprehensive dilated eye examination is the best way to determine the cause of floaters.
Your examination may include:
- Visual acuity testing
- Retinal evaluation
- Dilated examination
- Retinal imaging
- Evaluation for retinal tears or detachment
- Assessment of vitreous changes
Because potentially serious retinal conditions may initially have symptoms similar to harmless floaters, professional evaluation is essential.
Do Floaters Go Away?
Many floaters become less noticeable over time.
In many cases:
- The floater settles below the line of sight
- The brain adapts and becomes less aware of it
- Symptoms become less bothersome
However, floaters do not always disappear completely.
Any new or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an eye care professional.
Floaters and Retinal Detachment
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye.
Warning signs may include:
- Sudden onset of floaters
- Flashes of light
- A curtain or shadow across vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help preserve vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eye floaters normal with age?
Yes. Floaters become increasingly common as the vitreous naturally changes with age.
Can diabetes cause floaters?
Yes. Diabetes-related retinal disease can sometimes result in bleeding or retinal changes that create floaters.
Should I worry about one floater?
A longstanding floater that has not changed is usually less concerning than a sudden appearance of many new floaters.
Are flashes and floaters always an emergency?
Not always, but new flashes and floaters should be evaluated promptly because they may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment.
Can an eye exam determine the cause of floaters?
Yes. A comprehensive dilated eye examination is the most effective way to determine whether floaters are related to normal aging or a more serious retinal condition.
Schedule an Eye Examination for Floaters
If you have recently developed floaters, flashes of light, or other sudden vision changes, contact Boerne Vision Center promptly.
Our team provides comprehensive eye examinations and retinal evaluations for patients throughout:
- Boerne
- Fair Oaks Ranch
- San Antonio
- Leon Springs
- Bulverde
- Spring Branch
- Comfort
- The Texas Hill Country
Protecting your vision starts with understanding the warning signs and seeking timely care when changes occur.
