Floaters Have you ever noticed an "insect" that floats in and out of sight but doesn't go away? This is a floater. Floaters occur inside the eye, in the vitreous. The vitreous is clear gel that fills back two thirds of the eye. The vitreous is 98% water but it contains protein fibres which make the gel much thicker than water. Over time, the vitreous shrinks and the protein fibres clump together forming clusters big enough to cast a shadow on the retina. Some people's floaters appear as tiny spots or flecks. To others, the floater appears to be a thread or a web. Still others see them as clear little bubbles. Many people have a combination of shapes and sizes. Can Floaters be treated? Yes. For a small percentage of people floaters greatly reduce their quality of life. Come in and I can refer you for this relatively safe treatment. Can floaters be a serious problem: Yes. If there is a sudden increase in the number of floaters - for example, if a curtain comes down in one field of vision - this can indicate a problem such as a retinal detachment. If you experience any sudden flashes of light or new floaters, it is important to see your optometrist as soon as possible, as there may be damage to the retina. If you have any concerns with your vision please feel free to give us a call or make a convenient online booking at www.evolveoptometry.com.au Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03, Village Centre, Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405442 Floaters Have you ever noticed an " insect " that floats in and out of sight but doesn't go away ? This is a floater . Floaters occur inside the eye , in the vitreous . The vitreous is clear gel that fills back two thirds of the eye . The vitreous is 98 % water but it contains protein fibres which make the gel much thicker than water . Over time , the vitreous shrinks and the protein fibres clump together forming clusters big enough to cast a shadow on the retina . Some people's floaters appear as tiny spots or flecks . To others , the floater appears to be a thread or a web . Still others see them as clear little bubbles . Many people have a combination of shapes and sizes . Can Floaters be treated ? Yes . For a small percentage of people floaters greatly reduce their quality of life . Come in and I can refer you for this relatively safe treatment . Can floaters be a serious problem : Yes . If there is a sudden increase in the number of floaters - for example , if a curtain comes down in one field of vision - this can indicate a problem such as a retinal detachment . If you experience any sudden flashes of light or new floaters , it is important to see your optometrist as soon as possible , as there may be damage to the retina . If you have any concerns with your vision please feel free to give us a call or make a convenient online booking at www.evolveoptometry.com.au Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03 , Village Centre , Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405442