HomeAnswersOphthalmology (Eye Care)eye floatersI am an 18-year-old and have been seeing floaters for a few years. Please help.

Can floaters appear in young people?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At July 1, 2023
Reviewed AtAugust 24, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am an 18-year-old and have been seeing floaters for a few years. They got worse over the years. Some are larger because they are closer to the retina, and some are smaller. When I tilt my head up, I see many black lines, but when I put my fingers in front of my eyes and move my head from side to side, it is like I see a complex network of veins in my field of vision. When I wake up in the middle of the night, if I go into a bright room and then back into the dark room, I see vague flashes or moving rings in my field of vision. I am susceptible to light too. If I look at something bright, then somewhere not as bright, sometimes halo will be formed around the object or person, but the shape of whatever it was will stay in my vision for a while. When I look up or to the side sharply, I see a small circle in each eye. I noticed it when I was jogging, and with every footstep of pressure, I would see it if I looked up a certain way. It is like the circle you see when you apply pressure to your eye. I do not know how to describe that one. Also, if I take a pair of glasses and move it up and down in front of my eyes, I see many small silver lines. I have astigmatism. I went to the eye doctor, who told me my vision was good. I even saw the little black lines while looking through the microscope. It gives me anxiety and makes me so depressed. I feel like I am going to get blind, and I am just getting so anxious. Even though my doctor said it would all be alright, do I have a higher chance of retinal detachment because of my young age? Please help.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhev Mittal

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

In the eye, we have two segments: anterior and posterior. In the posterior segment, we have a gel called vitreous, which is made of collagen fibers. In some people, these collagen fibers get meshed up and start floating in vitreous gel when light enters the eye, and these meshed collagen fibers cast a shadow on the retina, which is seen as floaters by the patient. There is no treatment for this. Just avoid seeing them. These are entirely normal. Consult an ophthalmologist if these suddenly increase in number. Now discussing other issues which are concerned. You will never go blind. Yes, some young people may perceive these floaters. Try to avoid them and engage yourself in some interesting hobby. Your retina will not detach. Do not worry. I hope this information will help you. Thanks.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vaibhev Mittal
Dr. Vaibhev Mittal

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

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