What Are Eye Floaters?
Ever notice tiny spots, specks, lines, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision?
Floaters are small shapes that appear to move across your field of vision, especially when looking at something bright, such as a clear sky, a white wall, or a computer screen. They may look like:
Tiny dots or specks
Strings or squiggly lines
Cobwebs
Rings or circles
Shadows that seem to drift when you move your eyes
Although floaters can be annoying, most are harmless and become less noticeable over time. However, a sudden increase in floaters can sometimes be a warning sign of a retinal problem and should be evaluated promptly.
Why Do Eye Floaters Happen?
Most floaters come from changes in the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye.
When we're younger, the vitreous has a more gel-like consistency and is attached to the retina. As we age, the vitreous naturally becomes more liquid and can shrink or change shape. Small clumps or strands within the vitreous can cast shadows on the retina, which you see as floaters.
You may notice that floaters seem to move when you move your eyes and then slowly drift after your eyes stop moving. That's because the floaters are suspended within the vitreous.
Are Eye Floaters Normal?
Often, yes. Many people develop occasional floaters as part of the normal aging process.
Floaters can become more noticeable with age and may also occur after certain eye conditions, injuries, inflammation, or eye surgery.
If you've had the same few floaters for a long time and they haven't changed, they are usually less concerning. However, new or suddenly changing floaters should not be ignored.
When Should You Be Concerned About Floaters?
A sudden appearance of new floaters can sometimes occur when the vitreous pulls away from the retina, a process called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
PVD is common, particularly as we get older, and often does not cause permanent problems. In some cases, however, the vitreous can pull on the retina strong enough to cause a retinal tear or retinal detachment.
Seek prompt eye care if you suddenly experience:
A large number of new floaters
Flashes of light
A dark “curtain” or shadow moving across your vision
A sudden decrease or loss of vision
A significant change in your peripheral vision
These symptoms can indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires urgent evaluation.
What Causes Flashes and Floaters?
Flashes and floaters can happen when the vitreous pulls or tugs on the retina.
The retina contains light-sensitive cells that send visual information to the brain. When the retina is mechanically stimulated, you may perceive this as flashes of light — like a lightning streak or headlights on a car — even though there isn't actually a flashing light in your surroundings.
New flashes accompanied by new floaters are particularly important to have evaluated as soon as possible.
How Are Eye Floaters Diagnosed?
The best way to determine whether new floaters are harmless is through a comprehensive eye examination with a careful evaluation of the retina.
Your eye doctor may dilate your pupils to get a better view of the retina and look for signs of a retinal tear, retinal detachment, inflammation, bleeding, or other eye conditions.
Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, additional testing may also be recommended.
Can Eye Floaters Be Treated?
Most harmless floaters do not require treatment. Over time, your brain may become accustomed to them, making them less noticeable.
Treatment depends on what's causing the floaters. If floaters are associated with another eye condition, then treating the underlying problem may be necessary.
In rare cases, persistent floaters that significantly interfere with vision may be considered for specialized treatment. Your eye doctor can discuss whether treatment is appropriate based on your individual situation.
The Bottom Line: Don't Ignore Sudden Changes
Most eye floaters are harmless, but a sudden change in your vision deserves attention.
If you suddenly develop new floaters, flashes, a curtain-like shadow, or a loss of vision, don't wait to see if the symptoms go away. Urgent evaluation can help determine whether the retina is healthy or whether treatment is needed.
Clear Vision Starts With Healthy Eyes
If you're noticing new floaters or changes in your vision, contact us. We're here to help identify the cause of new or changing visual symptoms, determine what may be happening, and whether additional testing is needed.