Seeing small specks or squiggly lines drift across your vision can be a little strange. These are called eye floaters, and while many people associate them with getting older, you might notice them at any age. At our family eye care practice, we see patients of all ages, including those in their teens and 20s, who have questions about floaters.
Yes, seeing a few eye floaters can be completely normal for someone in their 20s. These little spots are very common and are usually harmless. Let’s explore what floaters are, why a young person might see them, and when it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam to have them checked out.
What Are Eye Floaters & What Causes Them?
Floaters appear as small, drifting shapes in your field of vision. They might look like black or gray dots, strings, or even tiny cobwebs. They move as your eyes move and they seem to dart away when you try to focus on them directly.
Floaters aren’t actually on the surface of your eye. Rather, they’re tiny clumps of cells or protein inside the vitreous—the gel-like substance that fills your eyeball. These clumps cast shadows on your retina, and you see these shadows as floaters.
Common Reasons You See Floaters
Most floaters are a normal part of how our eyes change over time. As you get older, the vitreous gel in your eyes can become more liquid. This process allows microscopic fibers within the gel to clump together and become more noticeable.
While this change is more common after age 50, it can happen at any age. It’s a natural process that affects people differently. For many, it’s just a part of their vision.
Floaters in Your Teens & 20s
Noticing floaters when you’re young might be unexpected, but it’s often not a cause for concern. Several factors can contribute to seeing floaters earlier in life. Understanding them can help provide peace of mind.
Is It Typical for Young People to See Floaters?
It’s very possible to see floaters in your 20s, or even as a teenager. People who are nearsighted (myopic) sometimes notice floaters at a younger age. This is because the shape of their eye can cause the vitreous to change a bit sooner.
Previous eye injuries or inflammation can also lead to floaters. For most young people, however, seeing a few floaters from time to time is normal.
Do Screen Time & Stress Cause Floaters?
Many people wonder if hours spent on phones and computers can create floaters. Extended screen time doesn’t cause floaters, but digital eye strain can make you more aware of floaters that you already have. You may also notice them more against a bright, uniform background like a screen.
Similarly, stress and anxiety don’t directly cause floaters to form. However, being more anxious can make you hyper-aware of your body and vision. This heightened awareness can cause you to notice floaters that were there all along.
When You Should Pay Attention to Floaters
In most cases, floaters are harmless and just a minor annoyance. However, certain changes can point to a more serious issue that may require urgent eye care. Knowing what to look for helps you take proactive steps to protect your vision.
Symptoms That Merit a Closer Look
The following symptoms could indicate a change in your eye health, such as a torn or detached retina, that requires a closer look by your optometrist. Pay attention to:
- A sudden and significant increase in the number of floaters
- Flashes of light in your vision, similar to a camera flash
- A shadow or dark curtain appearing in your side vision
- Any sudden decrease or blurriness in your vision
The Role of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A routine eye exam does more than check for 20/20 vision. It’s a complete health check for your eyes from front to back. If you’re concerned about floaters, a comprehensive exam can help determine the cause and detect potential eye diseases early.
What to Expect During an Exam
During a visit, your eye doctor in San Diego will perform several simple tests to check your overall eye health. To get a good look at your floaters and the inside of your eye, we may use eye drops to dilate your pupils. This widens the pupil and allows us a clear view of your retina and optic nerve.
This part of the exam helps us see the vitreous gel and confirm that your floaters are normal. It also helps us check that your retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye—is healthy and has no tears or detachments. The process is straightforward and provides valuable information.
Your Visit to an Eye Doctor in San Diego
Taking an active role in your eye care is a great way to maintain healthy vision for life. Open communication with your eye doctor helps you get the answers you need. A little preparation can make your visit even more productive.
Prepare for Your Appointment
Before your exam, it’s helpful to think about your symptoms. Make a few notes about when you first noticed floaters, how many you typically see, and if the’have changed recently. Consider writing down any questions so that you don’t forget to ask them.
This information helps your doctor get a clear picture of what you’re experiencing.
Your Path to Healthy Vision
After a thorough exam, your doctor will discuss the findings with you. For most people, including those in their 20s, floaters are just a normal part of vision that don’t require any action. Knowing that this is the case can provide reassurance.
Plus, regular check-ups with your eye doctor can help you maintain healthy eyes throughout your life.
At Total Vision Tierrasanta, our team is here to provide clear answers and comprehensive care for your entire family. Schedule your eye exam with us today to keep your vision healthy and strong.
