Eye floaters are spots that one sees especially when looking at a bright background such as the sky or a white wall. They may appear as tiny spots or specks that appear to move around in your field of vision. They are not uncommon, usually occurring between 50 and 75 years of age; They are part of a substance in the back of your eye called the vitreous. With age, this substance shrinks down into small shreds that tend to clump together producing what one sees as floaters.
You are also more likely to experience floaters if you are nearsighted, have had prior cataract surgery, undergone prior laser surgery, have diabetes, or suffered an eye injury.
Usually, they are not a great cause for concern and one tends to get used to them over time. However, if a sudden increase in floaters occurs associated with flashes and streaks of light with loss of part of your vision, this strongly indicates that the vitreous has pulled away from the retina resulting in a retinal tear. In this case, one should see an ophthalmologist immediately especially if your vision has worsened.
If you have have seen an ophthalmologist for this problem and are having problems with your vision, then you should strongly consider applying for Social Security disability. Examinations by him will determine the extent of your vision loss and how it affects your ability to perform your job duties.
You should obtain all visits to him with his treating notes regarding your visual problems. This information is then sent on to the state disability office for evaluation by disability specialists who will determine your ability to perform your job duties. Asking a lawyer who is familiar with Social Security disability cases would be helpful when applying for disability.