You may notice what look like tiny specks or squiggly lines drifting through your field of vision from time to time. At Doctors EyeCare, the team understands that any change in your vision can be concerning. These are called eye floaters, and it’s normal to wonder what causes them, especially if you’re going through a stressful period.
While stress does not directly create floaters, it can make you more aware of the ones you already have. If you notice several new floaters, or they are accompanied by eye discomfort, it is a good idea to see an eye doctor.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Floaters appear as small shapes in your vision. While they seem to be in front of your eye, they are actually tiny shadows cast on your retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye).
Common Shapes and Sizes
While eye floaters can look a little different for everyone, the most common ways they appear can include:
- Black or gray specks
- Squiggly lines
- Thread-like strands
- Cobwebs
- Rings
The Main Cause of Floaters
The main reason most people see floaters is because of the natural aging process. The inside of your eye is filled with a gel-like substance called the vitreous. As you get older, this gel can become more liquid, and microscopic fibers within it can clump together, creating the shadows you see as floaters.
The Link Between Stress and Your Eyes
Stress can affect how your brain processes information, which includes your vision. When you feel stressed, your body’s “fight or flight” response may cause your pupils to widen, increasing your visual sensitivity. This increased awareness can make existing floaters more noticeable.
How Stress Affects Vision
- Heightened awareness: Anxious feelings can make you more sensitive to small changes in your body, including floaters you might otherwise ignore.
- Eye strain: Stress can lead to tension in the muscles around your eyes, which may contribute to additional strain and fatigue.
- Other symptoms: You might also experience temporary blurry vision, eye twitching, or sensitivity to light when you’re under pressure.
When Floaters Are a Cause for Concern
Most floaters are a normal part of aging and are not a cause for alarm. However, certain signs can point to a more serious condition that needs prompt attention from an eye care professional.
Look for These Warning Signs
- A sudden and significant increase in the number of floaters.
- Flashes of light that look like lightning streaks or camera flashes.
- A shadow or dark curtain that appears in your side vision.
- Any sudden loss of vision.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek emergency eye care with an eye doctor right away. These signs could point to a retinal tear or a retinal detachment, which requires immediate attention.
How to Manage Floaters and Eye Strain
There isn’t a way to make harmless floaters disappear completely, but your brain often learns to ignore them over time. In the meantime, you can try simple ways to reduce their annoyance and ease eye strain.
- Move your eyes: Gently look up and down or from side to side. This can help shift the fluid in your eye and temporarily move the floater out of your direct line of sight.
- Rest your eyes: If you spend a lot of time on screens, you can reduce fatigue by following the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay hydrated: The vitreous in your eye is made mostly of water, so drinking plenty of fluids is good for your overall eye health, though it won’t eliminate floaters.
Proactive Steps for Your Eye Health
Taking care of yourself is a great way to take care of your eyes. Simple wellness habits can help reduce the effects of stress on your vision and support your long-term eye health.
Tips for Stress Relief and Eye Care
- Practice relaxation: Activities like deep breathing, going for a walk, or listening to calming music can help lower your stress levels.
- Eat a balanced diet: Nutritious foods support your body’s functions, including those that keep your eyes healthy.
- Schedule regular eye exams: A comprehensive eye exam is a key part of preventive health care. A visit to your eye doctor helps monitor any changes and keeps your vision clear.
Book Your Next Eye Exam
Regular check-ups give you peace of mind and help keep your eyes healthy for years to come. For a comprehensive eye health evaluation in Red Deer or Sylvan Lake, contact the team at Doctors EyeCare to schedule your next appointment.
