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Spider Webs in Your Vision – What It Means, Why It Happens, and How Serious Is It?

Seeing spider webs across your vision can be concerning or at least momentarily distracting. However, some of the worry is often based on not knowing what’s causing the spider webs and whether they are indicative of a serious condition.  

If you wonder what the spider webs in your vision mean, why they occur, and whether the situation requires treatment, here’s what you need to know.  

What Are Spider Webs in Your Vision?  

Spider webs in your vision are a visual phenomenon. At times, they are also described as cobwebs or floaters, the latter of which refers to the shifting nature of the specks or lines.  

In some cases, the spider webs seem nearly transparent. In others, they may look closer to hazing black dots.  

Most people notice spider webs in their vision when they are looking at a bright white surface, such as a wall. They may also be noticeable if you’re gazing at a light blue sky, especially if the sun is shining.  

Why Do Spider Webs in Your Vision Occur?  

Usually, spider webs in your vision are the result of posterior vitreous detachment. The bulk of the eye is made up of the vitreous body, which is comprised of a jelly-like substance. If the vitreous body pulls away from the retina, the jelly may form strands or shapes. As those strands shift, they cast shadows on the retina, creating a visual phenomenon that looks like spider webs, cobwebs, or floaters.  

Changes to the vitreous body are common as people age. Over time, the jelly-like substance can shrink, making a posterior vitreous detachment more likely.  

Additionally, proteins in the gel can clump together. These can create the cobweb effect, as well as spots, rings, or other shapes.  

Typically, floaters develop between the ages of 50 and 75. However, they can occur in younger people, particularly those with significant myopia (nearsightedness), past eye trauma, or diabetes. Additionally, those who have undergone a cataract operation are at a higher risk of developing them early.  

How Serious are Spider Webs in Your Vision?  

Generally speaking, spider webs in your vision aren’t serious. They mainly don’t negatively impact vision and are more of an occasional annoyance. In time, you may even learn to ignore them even if they don’t disappear entirely.  

As a result, treatment is rarely recommended for common floaters if they aren’t impacting vision significantly. For those who are having a negative impact on vision, a surgical procedure may be recommended to remove the floaters from the vitreous body. There are risks of undergoing the procedure, so it isn’t usually recommended unless the situation is severe.  

However, if the number of floaters increases suddenly or they are accompanied by a bright flash of light, that could be the onset of a severe condition. Similarly, if the floaters occur along with a sudden vision change that’s similar to a veil or curtain descending over your visual field, that could also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a retinal detachment. If that is the case, prompt medical treatment could be essential to ensure no vision is lost.  

At ECVA, we take the safety and health of our patients’ eyes seriously. If you are concerned about the presence of spider webs in your vision or are experiencing other systems like bright flashed of light or quick chances to your visual field, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.   

Family looking at eyeglasses
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How to Tell If You Have a Scratched Cornea

person rubbing their eyes

The cornea is the thin, transparent outer layer of the eye that extends over the iris and pupil. Since it’s on the surface of the eye, it can sustain a direct injury.  

Corneal abrasions – or scratches on the cornea – can vary in severity. At times, the abrasion is relatively mild, causing only subtle symptoms. However, the scratches can be incredibly serious and may lead to additional problems, including corneal ulcers or iritis.  

Understanding the symptoms of a scratched cornea can help you determine if such an abrasion may cause any symptoms you’re experiencing. If you are wondering whether you have a scratched cornea, here’s what you need to know.  

Causes of a Scratched Cornea  

Generally speaking, scratched corneas can occur when something comes in contact with the surface of the eye. While it can be caused by a traumatic event, such as being intentionally or accidentally poked in the eye by a person or pet, those aren’t how must occur.  

Everyday incidental contact is a more likely culprit. For example, sand and dust getting into your eye could lead to abrasion, as well as debris from an industrial workplace. Makeup brushes can cause scratches as well, along with incorrectly removing a contact lens.  

Even dry eyes can be to blame. If your eyes get dry while sleeping, opening your eyelids in the morning can lead to abrasions due to the lack of moisture and the increased amount of friction.  

Essentially, anything that touches the cornea directly can damage the delicate tissue.  

Symptoms of a Scratched Cornea  

A scratched cornea can cause a range of symptoms, including:  

  • Eye Discomfort
  • A Gritty Sensation in the Eye
  • Eye Pain
  • Light Sensitivity
  • Excessive Tearing
  • Eye Redness
  • Blurry Vision
  • Headache

Mild abrasions may only produce mild symptoms, such as a general feeling of discomfort. The more severe the abrasions tend to be, the more noticeable symptoms often are. However, even a mild scratch can evolve into a more dangerous condition if not properly treated.  

Common Treatment for a Scratched Cornea  

If you suspect that you’ve scratched your cornea, it’s wise to take a few steps immediately. If you have scratched cornea symptoms, remove your contact lenses (if you wear them) carefully. Additionally, please don’t wear them again until your eye is fully healed.  

Flushing the eye with a saline solution is a smart move. That will help rinse out any dust, dirt, or debris, if any is present. After rinsing, blink multiple times to help remove the particles naturally.  

Resist the urge to rub your eyes. If any particles remain on the surface or embedded in the eye, rubbing can cause additional scratches or make an existing abrasion worse.  

When to Call a Doctor  

If you’ve rinsed your eye with saline and you’re still experiencing redness, pain, or the feeling that debris is stuck in your eye, seek immediate medical attention. A corneal abrasion can be incredibly serious, and prompt treatment is necessary to avoid further damage.  

Contact your optometrist or ophthalmologist right away for an emergency appointment. That way, they can evaluate your eye and determine if additional treatment is necessary.  

Your Eye Health is Our Priority 

At ECVA, our staff works tirelessly to care for our patients’ eyes, including evaluating and treating injuries as quickly as possible. If you suspect a corneal abrasion, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Caring for Your Eyes in Cold Weather

When the temperature drops, it’s essential to adjust your eye care routine. Dry heat, UV light, and outdoor activities can increase certain risks. As a result, you need to make sure you care for your eyes correctly.  

Luckily, it’s easy to adjust your routine to account for cold weather. If you want to make sure your eyes stay safe and healthy, here’s what you need to know.  

Dealing with Dry Heat  

When you turn on your home or workplace’s heaters during the winter, the air gets drier. Not only can the reduced humidity lead to dry skin, but it can also dry out your eyes, making them itchy and uncomfortable.  

One of the simplest ways to counteract the dryness is with a humidifier. This adds moisture back into the air, which can make your eyes feel more comfortable. Eye drops are also beneficial for quick infusions of moisture.  

If you wear contact lenses, make sure you select eye drops made for contact lens wearers. If you’re still struggling with dry eyes after that, consider making an appointment with your eye doctor. They may switch you to a different brand that uses a material that better combats dryness.  

Blocking Reflective UV Light  

Many people overlook the power of the sun during the winter, mainly because the temperature is lower. However, harmful UV rays do still exist, and they can bounce off of material like snow. In fact, UV light is more dangerous in snowy conditions because of snow’s reflective qualities.  

Usually, your best defense against UV light is a pair of sunglasses with lenses designed to block UVA and UVB rays. That limits the amount of UV light that actually reaches your eye, making it less likely that your eyes will be harmed.  

Contact lens wearers can also choose a brand with UV blocking abilities. This gives you an additional layer of protection against UV rays that aren’t blocked by sunglasses.  

Protecting Eyes During Activities  

Winter activities like skiing, ice skating, and snowball fights can be great options for getting exercise during the winter. However, while participating, your eyes could be at risk.  

Falls in the snow, snowballs hitting your face, and ice particles created by skating could harm your eyes. If you want to make sure that debris can’t damage your eyes, eye protection is a must. Choose options that won’t fog and that are designed for the activity, ensuring they won’t fall off while you’re having fun.  

Ultimately, just a few small changes to your eye care routine can make a big difference. It ensures your eyes stay safe, allowing you to avoid damage caused by dryness, UV light, or debris.  

Are You Overdue for an Eye Exam? 

At ECVA, our staff works diligently to care for patients’ eyes and will help you choose approaches that can keep your eyes healthy all year-long. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.