Do contact lenses make eye floaters worse?

As an optometrist with over a decade of experience in the field of vision care, I have often been asked about the relationship between contact lenses and the presence or perception of eye floaters. Floaters are small specks or shapes that appear to float across your field of vision. They are actually tiny clumps of cells or protein fibers within the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. Now, let's delve into the question of whether contact lenses can make eye floaters worse.

**Firstly, it's important to understand that contact lenses are worn on the surface of the eye, specifically on the cornea.** The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. Contact lenses are designed to correct vision by altering the way light enters the eye. They come in various types, including daily wear, extended wear, and disposable, and are made from materials that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, ensuring the eye remains healthy.

**Now, regarding floaters, they are a completely different matter.** Floaters are internal ocular phenomena and are not located on the surface of the eye where contact lenses sit. They are typically caused by age-related changes within the vitreous humor, which is the jelly-like substance that fills the large, central chamber of the eye. As we age, the vitreous can start to shrink and pull away from the retina, a process known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This can cause the vitreous to form clumps or strands that cast shadows on the retina, which we perceive as floaters.

**Contact lenses do not affect the vitreous or the retina, and therefore, they do not cause floaters to form or worsen.** The misconception that contact lenses might exacerbate floaters likely stems from the fact that contact lenses can sometimes improve vision to the point where individuals become more aware of floaters that were previously less noticeable. In other words, it's not that the floaters are worse, but rather that the improved vision allows for a clearer perception of them.

**Another point to consider is the experience of flashes of light.** Some individuals might associate the use of contact lenses with an increased incidence of seeing flashes of light. However, these flashes are not caused by contact lenses. They are often a symptom of the same age-related changes that lead to floaters, such as PVD. When the vitreous detaches, it can tug on the retina and cause photoreceptor cells to fire, resulting in the perception of light flashes.

**In conclusion, contact lenses are a safe and effective means of vision correction that do not contribute to the development or worsening of eye floaters.** If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, especially accompanied by flashes of light or a loss of peripheral vision, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of a retinal detachment or other serious eye condition.

**Contact lenses can enhance visual clarity, and while they may make you more aware of pre-existing floaters, they are not the cause.** It's always a good idea to have regular eye exams to monitor your eye health and to discuss any changes in your vision with your eye care professional.

Contact lenses do not affect floaters. Most floaters are inside the eye and are caused by the vitreous jelly detached from the retina. ... Contacts do not cause floaters to become larger, although you might become more aware of them with visual improvement. Contacts also do not cause flashes.