Skip to main content

Spotting Eye Floaters Early

Understanding Floaters A Comprehensive Guide Hero Image (60+) (960 x 810 px) (1)
bg half circle

Request an Appointment

609-586-0849
line break 1

Floaters are those little shadows or squiggly shapes that seem to drift across your eyesight, often most noticeable when you look at a bright background. Inside your eye, a clear jelly called the vitreous can change over time, causing tiny clumps that cast shadows on your retina. Dr. Gregory Cox, a board-certified ophthalmologist in Hamilton Township, NJ, sees many patients with floaters, most are harmless, but a sudden increase or flashes of light can be a sign of a more serious issue. Dr. Cox offers expert, personalized treatment to keep your vision clear. Providing exceptional eye care in Hamilton Township, proudly serving patients from across Mercer County, including Trenton, Lawrence, Robbinsville, and surrounding communities.

line break 1
quote bg

Excellent doctor for dry eye and macula problems. Does not push you to take a lot of medication like other Dr’s do. His staff is so friendly and helpful including Esperanza, the optical lady. Gave me great info to get glasses made there because the doctor doesn’t contract with Clover Health.

★★★★★

G.M, June 2024

quote bg

The front desk staff was were very friendly and the wait time was 5 minutes. The optician Esperanza was so knowledgeable and gave me several options within my budget. I love it here for my first time the experience was 5 stars! Thank you Dr. Cox for giving me positive results.

★★★★★

J.R , May 2023

quote bg

I went to see Dr Cox for a problem that had been ongoing for so long with dryness and he was amazing took his time and performed a simple irrigation that has resolved the problem. The front desk staff was were very friendly and the wait time was 5 minutes. The optician Esperanza was so knowledgeable and gave me several options within my budget. I love it here for my first time the experience was 5 stars!
Thank you Dr. Cox for giving me positive results.

★★★★★

J, June 2024

Appearance of Floaters

Many patients describe floaters as little specks or cobweb-like threads that drift across their visual field. They tend to move when you shift your gaze, sometimes darting away when you try to look directly at them. This can be both distracting and irritating, particularly when you are trying to focus on tasks like reading or driving.

Here’s a closer look at some common descriptions:

Understanding Floaters A Comprehensive Guide Vertical (60+) 372×554
bg circle
line break 1
Understanding Floaters A Comprehensive Guide (60+) 372×554
bg circle (2)

Identifying Warning Signs and Symptoms

line break 1

Association with Other Eye Conditions

Floaters are often benign, but they can sometimes be a sign of other underlying issues in the eye. When floaters occur with flashes of light or are accompanied by visual changes such as a darkened part of your field of vision, it may suggest that the vitreous is tugging on the retina.

This scenario could be associated with conditions like:

Understanding Floaters A Comprehensive Guide 372×554
bg circle
line break 1
Staging Hero Image (60+) 372x554N (16)
bg circle (2)

Managing Floaters in Daily Life

Most floaters do not require treatment and can often be managed by simply adapting to their presence over time. However, changes in their behavior or quantity may signal a need for further medical evaluation.

Here are a few practical tips for managing floaters on a day-to-day basis:

line break 1

Are There Treatments for Persistent Floaters?

While most floaters are benign and don’t require treatment, some patients find them significantly disruptive. In select cases, treatment may be considered.

Here are the main options:

Understanding Floaters A Comprehensive Guide .Vertical (60+) 372×554
bg circle

Causes of Floaters

Floaters most commonly occur as a result of normal aging. As the vitreous gel slowly liquefies and contracts, the collagen fibers within it condense into clumps. These clumps float freely, casting shadows on the retina that you perceive as floaters. While age is the primary reason, several other factors can contribute to their formation:

Welcoming New Patients

Role of Our Eye Doctor

When you visit our office with concerns about floaters, the first step is a detailed eye examination to assess your vitreous and retinal health. Our eye doctor will likely use dilating eye drops to widen your pupils, which allows for a comprehensive examination of the back of your eye.

Here’s what generally happens during your visit:

Understanding Floaters A Comprehensive Guide … 372×554
bg half circle

Risk Factors for Floaters

Floaters can affect anyone, but certain factors make some people more prone to developing them. Recognizing these risk factors can help you decide when to be more vigilant about any changes in your vision.

Some common risk factors include:

Welcoming New Patients

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions that patients often have about floaters, along with clear answers that our eye doctor might provide:

Take Charge of Your Vision Today Serving Mercer County

Floaters and vision changes can be concerning, but you don’t have to face them alone. Dr. Gregory Cox provides thorough evaluations and compassionate care right here in Hamilton Township. He will help you understand what’s happening with your eyes and guide you through the best options. Providing exceptional eye care in Hamilton Township, proudly serving patients from across Mercer County, including Trenton, Lawrence, Robbinsville, and surrounding communities.

Welcoming New Patients

Request an Appointment

609-586-0849

Explore More

line break 1

If you’re looking for eye care that truly feels personal, you’ll find it right here in Hamilton Township at Gregory Cox, MD, conveniently located across from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Our top-rated, board-certified ophthalmologist is known throughout Mercer County for his expertise and the genuine care he provides to every patient. That’s why patients and referring doctors from Trenton, Lawrence, Robbinsville, and beyond trust us for expert, personalized, and compassionate eye care.