What are floaters?

Floaters are small dark shapes that float across your vision. They can look like spots, threads, squiggly lines, or even little cobwebs.

Most people have floaters that come and go, and they often don’t need treatment. But sometimes floaters can be a sign of a more serious eye condition. So if you notice new floaters that appear suddenly and don’t go away, schedule an appointment.

The symptoms

Floaters move as your eyes move so when you try to look at them directly, they seem to move away. When your eyes stop moving, floaters keep drifting across your vision.

You may notice floaters more when you look at something bright, like white paper or a blue sky.

Risk Factors

Almost everyone develops floaters as they get older, but some people are at higher risk. You’re at higher risk if you are very nearsighted, have diabetes or have had cataract surgery.

Causes

Floaters usually happen because of normal changes in your eyes. As you age, tiny strands of your vitreous (the gel-like fluid that fills your eye) stick together and cast shadows on your retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye). Those shadows appear as floaters. Sometimes floaters have more serious causes such as eye infections, eye injury, vitreous detachment, retinal tears or detachment.

Reasons to book an appointment

If you suddenly have a lot of new floaters, or see flashes of light, or have a dark shadow (like curtain) or blurry area in your side or central vision. Book an appointment immediately.