Eye floaters are tiny spots, specks, cobwebs, or squiggly shapes that seem to drift across your vision. They’re very common, especially as people get older.
What causes floaters?
Inside the eye is a gel-like substance called the vitreous. As we age, it can change and become more liquid, causing small clumps or strands that cast shadows on the retina. These shadows are what you perceive as floaters.
Common causes include:
- Normal aging
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Previous eye surgery
- Eye inflammation
- Bleeding inside the eye
When floaters are usually not an emergency
It’s common to occasionally notice:
- A few small floaters
- Floaters that have been stable for a long time
- Floaters that are more noticeable when looking at a bright background
Warning signs that require prompt medical attention
Seek urgent eye care if you experience:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- A dark curtain or shadow coming over part of your vision
- Sudden loss of vision
- Floaters following an eye injury
These symptoms can sometimes indicate a retinal tear or Retinal Detachment, which requires prompt treatment.
What can you do about floaters?
- Most floaters become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts.
- Moving your eyes up and down may shift floaters temporarily.
- Routine eye examinations can help monitor eye health.
Treatments
For most people, no treatment is needed. In rare cases where floaters severely affect vision, an eye specialist may discuss procedures such as:
- Vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous gel)
- Laser treatment for selected cases
Bottom line
Most eye floaters are a normal part of aging and are harmless. However, a sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or any loss of vision should be evaluated urgently by an eye doctor, because these symptoms can signal a serious retinal problem.
