If you have recently started noticing dark spots, specks, or shadowy shapes drifting across your vision, you are not alone. Many people experience this at some point, and while the cause is often harmless, sudden changes in vision should never be ignored.
Dark spots in your vision can appear as dots, cobwebs, strings, or cloudy shapes that seem to move when your eyes move. These visual disturbances are commonly called eye floaters, but in some cases, they may signal a more serious eye condition that requires prompt care.
Our Chandler eye care team at Wagner EyeCare Associates discusses more below.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small clumps of collagen or cellular debris that form inside the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. As light enters the eye, these particles cast shadows on the retina, which you perceive as floating shapes in your field of vision.
Floaters are often more noticeable when looking at bright backgrounds, such as a clear sky, a white wall, or a computer screen. They may drift slowly or move away when you try to focus on them.
Why Do Dark Spots Appear Suddenly?
While floaters can develop gradually, a sudden increase in dark spots may happen for several reasons, including:
- Normal age related changes in the vitreous
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
- Nearsightedness
- Eye injury or trauma
- Inflammation inside the eye
As we age, the vitreous can shrink and pull away from the retina. This process is common and often harmless, but it should still be evaluated by an eye doctor to rule out complications.
When Dark Spots May Signal a Serious Problem
Not all floaters are benign. In some cases, dark spots may be linked to more serious eye conditions, including:
- Retinal tear
- Retinal detachment
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Advanced diabetic eye disease
Seek immediate eye care if you experience any of the following:
- A sudden shower of new floaters
- Flashes of light in your side vision
- A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision
- Sudden blurry or distorted vision
These symptoms may indicate a retinal emergency, and early treatment is critical for preserving vision.
How an Eye Doctor Evaluates Dark Spots
To determine the cause of dark spots, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam. This often includes pupil dilation, which allows a detailed view of the retina, vitreous, and optic nerve.
Advanced imaging may also be used to check for retinal tears, bleeding, or other structural changes. Even when floaters are harmless, this exam provides reassurance and helps establish a baseline for future eye health.
Do Dark Spots Ever Go Away?
In many cases, floaters become less noticeable over time. The brain often adapts and learns to ignore them, or the floaters may shift out of the main line of sight. However, they usually do not disappear completely.
Treatment is rarely needed unless floaters significantly interfere with daily activities or are linked to an underlying eye condition. When a medical issue is present, addressing the root cause becomes the priority.
Protecting Your Vision
Routine eye exams are one of the best ways to detect changes inside the eye before they become serious. Regular visits are especially important if you are over 40, highly nearsighted, diabetic, or have a history of eye disease.
Even if symptoms appear while enjoying outdoor time near places like Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler, any sudden vision change should be evaluated promptly.
Final Thoughts
Seeing dark spots in your vision can be unsettling, especially when they appear suddenly. While many cases are related to normal changes inside the eye, others require immediate medical attention.
If you notice new floaters, flashes, or shadows in your vision, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with Wagner EyeCare Associates can help protect your eyesight and provide peace of mind.