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Everything you need to know about floaters
What are floaters?
Have you ever seen little grey threads or spots drifting across your vision? These are known as floaters and while they are sometimes annoying, they’re usually harmless.
Floaters are small grey or black spots that drift across your vision1,2,3. They may look like cobwebs, spots, threads or squiggly lines and tend to dart away if you try to look directly at them1.
Seeing floaters is not an uncommon experience and, for many people, they are small spots that come and go without requiring any treatment.
What causes floaters?
Floaters are essentially little flecks of protein in the vitreous jellylike fluid in your eye1. As they float around in your eye, they can cast shadows on the light-sensitive retinal tissue. These shadows then appear as small semitransparent dots or lines in your vision.
Some floaters develop before you’re born when your eyes are forming, and some develop as proteins clump together in your eye as you age1,2. Either way, floaters are usually the byproduct of normal changes and aren’t usually a cause for concern1,2,3.
But while most people may experience floaters at one point or another, especially as we age, you may be at higher risk if you1,3:
- Are very nearsighted
- Have migraines or headaches
- Have had cataract surgery
- Have diabetes or diabetic retinopathy
When should you see a doctor?
Normally, floaters are not a cause for concern, but in some cases, they can be a result of infection, injury or a more serious problem1. If you notice new floaters or have floaters that aren’t going away, you should consult your eye doctor to ensure there isn’t cause for concern1.
In rare cases, seeing a lot of floaters suddenly as flashes of light or seeing a dark, curtain-like shadow in your central vision can be a sign of retinal detachment or tearing1. This is when the retina gets torn or pulled from the back of the eye and can cause serious damage if left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately1.
What can happen if left untreated?
In many cases, floaters may go away on their own as your brain will learn to ignore them over time3. If they bother you or affect your everyday functioning, there are surgery and laser therapy options to get rid of the protein buildups in your vitreous3.
In any case, you should make sure you have regular checkups with your eye doctor to catch any changes in your vision or eye diseases early4. Certain eye conditions like the early stages of age-related macular degeneration can only be detected by an eye doctor and seeking treatment early can help 4.
Floaters are small dots or threads that drift across your vision. They are caused by proteins in your eyes clumping together and casting shadows on your retina. Floaters are usually harmless, but you should seek medical attention if they appear as bright flashes, become disruptive or interfere with your central vision.
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Disclaimer: Always speak to your primary health care provider and/or eye care provider before making any changes to your lifestyle, activities or diet.
References
- https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/floaters#:~:text=Floaters%20usually%20happen%20because%20of,Those%20shadows%20appear%20as%20floaters
- https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/floaters-and-spots?sso=y
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-eye-floaters
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vision-and-vision-loss/aging-and-your-eyes
