Seeing Spots

Most people see spots or squiggly lines occasionally, especially after the age of fifty. Eye doctors refer to these spots as floaters. Floaters are simply particles of the eye's fluid floating into the field of vision.

As we age, the jelly-like substance in the eye changes, becoming thick and stringy. Sometimes light entering the eye casts shadows of these strands of fluid onto the retina, resulting in spots and floaters in our vision. Painters often complain about this phenomenon, as the spots are more apparent when looking at a blank wall or a blue sky.

Although usually harmless, spots and floaters can sometimes signal a more serious condition within the eye, such as a tear in the retina. It's always best to alert your eye doctor to any changes in your vision.