Help! I'm Suddenly Seeing Floaters at Night

Are you suddenly seeing what looks like a speck of dirt in your vision? You have an eye floater. You may have more than one. Floaters often come in different shapes and sizes. They can look like long, thin threads, squiggly lines, spider-type shapes, or simply dark spots. 

Floaters are often harmless, but sometimes they can signify a danger to your vision. Our board-certified ophthalmologists with Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, in Jacksonville, Florida, examine your eyes and let you know if your floaters are normal or need treatment to prevent vision loss. 

What is an eye floater? 

Your eye consists of several components. The space between your lens and your retina fills with a gel-like substance called vitreous humor. About 80% of your eye’s volume consists of vitreous gel. It helps your eye keep its shape. Light passes through it to reach your retina.   

As you age, bits of the vitreous humor gel sometimes break into small pieces. They’re what you see as eye floaters. 

Why do I have eye floaters? 

Eye floaters are common as you age. They’re simply part of the aging process based on your genetic makeup. However, they can be a danger to your vision. That’s why you should make an appointment anytime you have a change in your vision. 

When should I be concerned about eye floaters? 

Please call our office if you have a sudden eye floater increase or numerous floaters at once. We fit you in right away. Also, you should get an eye examination if you see flashes of light lasting only a second or two. You may notice these light flashes more at night when it’s dark. You may also see floaters around the same time. 

Flashes of light and floaters could signal a potential retinal detachment. If your vitreous humor starts to pull away from the retina, your retina could begin to tear. 

If your retina tears, part of it separates from the blood vessels that nourish it, so the cells die. Your vision is impaired. If left untreated, retinal detachment can cause blindness. 

Flashes of light and floaters can also result from uveitis, inflammation in your eye caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. You’re more prone to inflammation if you have an autoimmune condition. Other types of eye infections can cause floaters and flashes. 

We promptly diagnose and treat your eye condition. We treat retinal tears with laser therapy. Large retinal tears require surgery. Antibiotics can treat infections.

Call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, or request an appointment through our online portal today if you have a sudden increase in floaters or see flashes of light in your eye.