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Eye Floaters

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: May 24, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: clumps of cells that you see “floating” in eye.

As you age, you may notice these tiny floating ‘specks’ in your eyes more. These specks, called floaters, increase slowly with age and are normal. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, or a change in their shape and size, see an eye doctor.

What are Floaters?

Floaters are tiny clumps of cells in the fluid in your eye. These clumps appear as transparent, oddly-shaped specks that float over your field of vision. Floaters will naturally disappear over time and others will naturally form. If you see floaters along with flashing bright lights or if you have a sudden increase in floaters, see your eye doctor – you may have a retinal detachment.

Back to Vision Problems and Aging

Sources:

ADAM Medical Encyclopedia. Eye-Floaters.

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