Floaters, or black spots, usually move in and out of vision, changing position with eye movement. Many people experience this eye condition, and, in fact, the number of floaters tends to increase with age, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago. Though some floaters occur as a natural part of aging, other causes require immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Degeneration
Vitreous fills the back, inner chamber of the eye. The vitreous has a thick, jelly-like consistency. As the vitreous ages, it may clump into irregular rounds or into long strands. As well, the vitreous may shrink and pull away from the back lining of the eye, says The University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. If floaters appear occasionally without additional symptoms, vitreous degeneration may have caused the floaters. Medications cannot dissolve floaters, and doctors do not offer any treatment for a few floaters in vision. However, if excessive floaters appear, disrupting vision, an eye doctor may recommend a vitrectomy. This procedure removes the vitreous and the floaters, replacing the jelly with a silicone substance to keep the eye's shape.
Bleeding
Some eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, may cause the blood vessels on the retina to bleed. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when new, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina and leak. The bleeding leaks into the vitreous, forming dark floaters in vision, say the National Eye Institute. A person will likely see a significant number of these floaters, and she should contact an eye doctor immediately for an evaluation. In most cases, a doctor will need to perform a laser treatment to stop the growth and bleeding of the new blood vessels. However, if the bleeding and new floaters block the eye surgeon's view of the back of the eye, he may need to remove and replace the vitreous before treating the cause of the bleed.
Retinal Detachment
Floaters often appear when a person has a retinal detachment. The retina lines the back of the eye and plays a vital role in vision. Detachments may result from injury, eye disorders or without a known cause, says MedlinePlus. Floaters from a retinal detachment often fill a person's vision, or appear in significant numbers. Other symptoms include flashes of light, and a dark "curtain" that seems to come across an area of vision. These symptoms require immediate attention in order to prevent permanent vision loss. An eye surgeon will reattach the retina typically the same day.
