Are Eye Floaters a Sign of Low Vision?  

Eye floaters are a relatively common occurrence for people, particularly if they get up too fast or skip a few hours of sleep. However, in rarer cases, eye floaters can indicate an underlying condition. Low vision, also known as weakened vision that can’t be corrected with surgery, glasses, or contacts, is not caused by eye floaters, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no connection. We’ll look at what you should know if you’re concerned about low vision in Asheville, NC.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters refer to specks or shapes that cloud your vision. They occur when the liquid in your eye comes apart from the retina. When it separates, it forms a tiny bit of fiber that will cause the shadows to appear. You’re most likely to see them if you look at very bright backgrounds, like a clear, blue sky in the middle of the day.

Eye Floaters and Low Vision

Generally, eye floaters in Asheville, NC, aren’t a cause for concern. Simple changes in your eyes usually cause them as you age. However, in some cases, floaters are a sign of macular degeneration, glaucoma, or retinopathy, all of which can lead to low vision. It’s important to pay attention to eye floaters and any other symptoms you may be experiencing (e.g., pain, redness, etc.).

Low Vision Specialists in Asheville, NC

If you know the term low vision, it may be because your family has a history of the condition. (Or maybe it’s because the number of floaters you’re seeing has increased exponentially.) If you’re interested in an evaluation, the staff at Dr. Edward Paul, OD, PhD, can help you understand more about how your vision progresses over time.