Why seeing spots

Laser therapy is a non-surgical procedure that uses carefully targeted lasers to eliminate the floaters. This therapy is still considered experimental and should only be performed by an eye doctor that has the experience and an overwhelmingly successful track record. If the laser is misdirected and hits the retina, it can do permanent damage.

We typically recommend starting with the treatments listed above and only pursuing laser therapy to treat floaters only if absolutely necessary.

Studies have mixed results and while some patients have experienced relief from irritating floaters, others have actually experienced an increase in floaters after having laser therapy. Those include:. Are you seeing spots and floaters or flashes more often than normal?

Are floaters affecting your ability to read, watch TV, drive, or enjoy the view outside? Atlantic Eye Institute. Our Team Charles V. Diaz, MD Sushma K. Vance, MD C. Treatment For Spots And Floaters In Vision The first and most important step is to schedule an appointment with your vision specialist to discuss your experience.

Ignore them Sometimes floaters are just a normal part of eye function and they go away on their own. Vitrectomy If your vitreous is so full of floaters that it has become a nuisance or they are diminishing vision, your eye doctor may recommend a vitrectomy. If you experience any changes in your vision or feel pain in and around your eyes, contact your eye doctor and schedule an exam.

An eye doctor is best qualified to diagnose and treat any conditions related to your eyes and ensure continued eye health, and refer you for further evaluation and treatment, if necessary.

Patient Login Referring Doctors. Eye floaters If you are seeing spots, strands, rings or cobweb-like structures in your eye, they may be floaters.

What causes eye floaters? Retinal detachment If you notice flashes along with seeing spots, it could be a detached retina which is a dangerous condition that requires treatment from an eye doctor immediately.

Retinal detachment symptoms The NEI National Eye Institute says that there could be a gradual or sudden increase in the number of floaters that are accompanied by the flashes. Detached retina treatment Treatment is surgical and could require a vitrectomy. Migraine-related Auras A sensory disturbance that accompanies a migraine, known as an aura, can make it seem like you are seeing colored spots or floaters, but they sometimes precede or occur alongside a migraine ; however, auras can also be present without a headache.

What else causes you to see spots? This could be caused by inflammatory diseases or infection. A detached retina can often be treated successfully with surgery. One other cause of stars in your vision is a migraine headache. Not everyone who has migraines sees stars or colorful lights which are also known as aura , but many do. These are treated by ophthalmologists or optometrists, doctors specializing in eye health.

Traditional migraine headaches, as well as a blow to the head, can give you a lingering pain in your head to go with your starry visions. A detached retina can also make it seem as though a curtain is being drawn over your vision in the affected eye. But at your next eye appointment, tell your doctor how often you see flashes or floaters. If you start to see more flashes of light, call your eye doctor right away.

As you get older, your risk of retina problems and vision impairment increases. You tend to see more floaters as you age too. Contact sports, such as football or soccer, boost your odds of getting hit on the head and shaking up your occipital lobe. Even a mild concussion should be evaluated by a doctor.

A CT scan is also part of a routine concussion check. A trip to an eye doctor for a possible retina problem will include a thorough examination of your eyes. Your pupils will be dilated. A detached retina and other eye conditions are often diagnosed easily with a thorough clinical exam. An ultrasound of your eye may also be helpful. Treating a concussion usually includes rest and possibly acetaminophen Tylenol. Other types of pain relievers should be avoided unless your doctor recommends one of them.

In most cases, floaters are completely harmless, if a little irritating. In some cases, the shrinking vitreous gel can pull on the retina the focusing surface at the back of your eye.

If this occurs, it can cause a tear in the retina or even detach the retina. This is usually accompanied by a sudden increase in floaters, and sometimes flashes in your vision as well. If you encounter any of these symptoms see an eye specialist immediately. A retinal tear or detached retina is a serious and potentially sight-threatening condition. However, if you suffer from floaters that seriously affect your vision, they can be removed with a vitrectomy - surgery to remove some or all of the vitreous humour from the eye.