Eye Floaters: What They Are and When to Worry
Floaters are small spots, threads or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your vision. Most people have them and they are usually harmless. A sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light or a shadow over your vision, is a medical emergency.
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Go to an eye doctor or ER right away if you notice
- A sudden burst of new floaters
- Flashes of light
- A dark, curtain-like shadow or blurry area at the side or center of your vision
These can be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which need urgent treatment to protect your sight.
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See Retina Clear on the official siteCurrent price, packages and guaranteeWhat causes floaters
As we age, the gel inside the eye (the vitreous) changes and tiny strands clump together. Those clumps cast shadows on the retina, which you see as floaters. They show up most against bright backgrounds like a white page or a clear sky.
Less common causes include eye infections, inflammation (uveitis), bleeding inside the eye, injuries, vitreous detachment and retinal tears.
Who is more likely to have them
- People who are very nearsighted
- People with diabetes
- People who have had cataract surgery
Do eye floaters go away?
Many floaters fade or become less noticeable over time as the brain learns to ignore them. Harmless floaters usually need no treatment.
Treatment options
| Situation | Usual approach |
|---|---|
| Harmless, long-standing floaters | No treatment needed |
| Floaters that seriously affect daily life | A surgery called vitrectomy may be discussed; it has risks to weigh with a doctor |
| Floaters from a tear or another condition | Treating the underlying cause, often urgently |
No pill or supplement has been proven to remove floaters. Be cautious with products that promise to.
How doctors check floaters
An eye doctor will usually do a dilated eye exam, using drops to widen the pupil and look at the back of the eye.
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Frequently asked questions
What are eye floaters?
Small spots, threads or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your vision, usually caused by age-related changes in the gel inside the eye.
Are sudden eye floaters dangerous?
A sudden burst of floaters, especially with flashes or a shadow over your vision, can mean a retinal tear or detachment. Get care right away.
Do eye floaters go away on their own?
Many become less noticeable over time. Harmless floaters usually need no treatment.
Can eye floaters be treated?
Most need no treatment. Vitrectomy can remove floaters that seriously affect daily life, but it has risks.