Floaters Specialist
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Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma
Anand Bhatt, MD
Cataract and Glaucoma Surgeon serving Orange County located in North Tustin, Santa Ana, CA
Floaters are dots, specks, or strings that appear in your line of vision. They typically disappear when you look directly at them but can interfere with your ability to work or relax. At Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma in Santa Ana, California, Anand Bhatt, MD can help diagnose and treat any potential vision-threatening issues related to new-onset floaters. If floaters suddenly appear or are negatively affecting your quality of life, book online to schedule an appointment or call the office today.
Floaters Q & A
What are floaters?
Floaters are small visible objects that move in and out of your central vision. They occur when your vitreous, a gel-like substance, turns to liquid. Tiny fibers that make up the vitreous tend to clump together. These clumps cast shadows on your retina, causing changes to your vision.
Almost everyone experiences floaters from time-to-time, but if you notice a sudden increase or they interfere with your ability to see, contact Dr. Bhatt at Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma right away.
What are the symptoms of floaters?
Common symptoms of floaters include:
- Small shapes or strings that float in and out of your central vision
- Spots that are more noticeable when you look at a white or light-color background
- Small objects that move with your eyes
- Strings, dark specks, or dots that make it difficult to see
If you have a lot of floaters, you might also find it difficult to watch TV or look at a computer screen for extended periods.
What causes floaters?
The most common cause of floaters is the natural aging process. Other less common causes include inflammation at the back of your eye, bleeding in the eye, a torn retina, or certain eye medications. Some people experience floaters following surgery for cataracts or glaucoma.
How are floaters diagnosed?
To diagnose floaters, Dr. Bhatt conducts a comprehensive eye exam, reviews your vision health history, and asks questions about your lifestyle and symptoms. He then dilates your pupils with special eye drops to assess the vitreous and the back of your eyes.
How are floaters treated?
The majority of floaters resolve on their own with rest and patience. If your floaters are due to an underlying medical problem, like diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma, Dr. Bhatt develops a custom treatment plan.
If your floaters negatively affect your vision, Dr. Bhatt might recommend consultation with a retinal specialist.
To further explore treatment for floaters, request a consultation at Orange County Cataract and Glaucoma. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the office today.
