Why Am I Seeing Black Spots?
Common Harmless Causes For Seeing Dark Spots
Eye Floaters
Floaters are the most common cause of dark spots. These tiny clumps of collagen or fibers form inside the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the back of the eye. As the eye ages, the vitreous becomes less firm and may pull away from the retina, creating floating shadows. Floaters often appear as dots, threads, cobwebs, or squiggly lines that drift with your eye movements.
Visual Disturbances
Some people experience brief dark spots or shimmering areas of vision due to migraines or visual aura. These episodes usually last minutes and do not cause lasting harm.
Temporary Eye Strain
Long hours of screen use, intense reading, or visual fatigue can trigger temporary shadows or spots. These typically fade once your eyes rest.
When Dark Spots May Be a Warning Sign
While most floaters are harmless, some symptoms require prompt attention. Call your eye doctor right away if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light in your side vision
- A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision
- Dark spots after an eye injury
- New spots if you have diabetes or high blood pressure
These signs can be associated with retinal tears, retinal detachment, bleeding inside the eye, vitreal detachment, or other urgent conditions.
How Eye Doctors Diagnose the Cause
During your visit, your eye doctor may perform:
- Dilated eye exam to examine the retina and vitreous
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to scan retinal layers
- Retinal photography to document any changes
These tools help determine whether your symptoms are harmless or require treatment.
What To Do Next
- If floaters are stable and not increasing, they often only need monitoring.
- If you notice sudden changes, flashes, or shadows, contact an eye care professional immediately.
- Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect retinal changes early.
At Insight Eyecare & Eyewear, our Chandler eye care team evaluates your symptoms carefully and explains your results in clear, simple terms so you know what steps to take next.
Floaters and Dark Spots FAQ
How can I reduce the number of floaters and black spots in my vision naturally?
Most floaters are harmless, and there is no proven way to make them disappear completely. However, a few habits can help you notice them less often. Staying hydrated supports your vitreous gel, and wearing sunglasses can reduce glare that makes floaters more noticeable. If a floater drifts into your central vision, gently moving your eyes up and down may shift it out of the way. While these steps can help, sudden new floaters or flashes of light always need a prompt eye exam since these can be signs of a retinal problem.
What are the best eye vitamins for blurry vision and spots in my eyes?
Supplements do not remove floaters, but they can support overall eye health. Vitamins that support the retina and help reduce oxidative stress include vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Omega 3 fatty acids can also support tear quality and overall eye comfort. If you are considering supplements, talk with your eye doctor so they can recommend the right formula for your needs and confirm that blurry vision is not caused by something that requires treatment.
How does the vitreous humor function in my eye?
The vitreous humor is the clear, gel like substance that fills the space between your lens and retina. It helps the eye keep its shape, and it allows light to pass through so the retina can create clear images. As you age, this gel becomes more liquid and can pull away from the retina, which is one of the most common reasons people develop floaters. Although this change is normal, any sudden increase in floaters or flashes should be checked right away.