There are cloud shapes everywhere I look

If you are finding that there are cloud shapes everywhere you look, it can be concerning, and you may assume there is something wrong with your eyes. But there are a few common reasons people experience this symptom. Let’s take a look…

Floaters

Floaters are the most common reason as to why you are seeing cloud shapes everywhere you look. Floaters are grey spots that pass through your field of vision and move as you move and your eyes move. They are an extremely common condition and often look like strands, webs, spots, squiggles or, of course, clouds.

As your eye begins to age, the gelatinous vitreous humor starts to liquefy in the centre of the gel. Floaters are mostly caused by this undissolved vitreous humor that then floats within the liquid vitreous. In some cases, if you experience a lot of floaters at one time, it could be a sign of a more serious issue, particularly if it is combined with a flash of light.

These posterior vitreous detachments (PVDs) noted above are the most common reason why vitreous floaters occur. In much less common cases, these symptoms can be associated with detachments or retinal tears that could be linked to PVDs.

Eye floaters which are a result of a posterior vitreous detachment are concentrated in the more liquid vitreous found in the interior centre of the eye.

Other Conditions Associated With Eye Floaters

Inflammation in the eye’s interior

When the interior area of your eye becomes inflamed due to an infection, floaters in the form of cloud shapes could appear. Once your eye infection begins to clear, your floaters should disappear too.

Short-sightedness

This condition is known as myopia and is the most common refractive error of the eye which causes difficulties with seeing distant objects clearly and reading road signs. Other symptoms that typically occur alongside it include eyestrain, squinting, and headaches. It’s typically corrected with contact lenses, glasses, or refractive surgery.

Cataract surgery

A cataract is when the lens inside the eye becomes clouded which causes vision loss that can’t be fixed with contact lenses, glasses, or corneal refractive surgery. Instead, you require cataract surgery, but the improvement in your vision after cataract surgery may mean you can see any floaters in the eye more clearly. If this becomes problematic, it can be rectified with laser eye surgery.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a serious condition called retinopathy, which is the detachment of the retina that results in a loss of vision, or eye vision impairment. Floaters in the eye can be a sign of this condition. You should seek advice immediately.

When to see your optician

It’s best to see your local optician if you are experiencing floaters in order to receive a proper diagnosis and the proper treatment plan.