What Are Eye Floaters—and When Should You Be Concerned?

Jun 24

Welcome back to the Retina Associates blog! Our goal is to help you better understand your eye health and recognize when it’s time to seek care. One of the most common questions we hear from patients is: “What are these little floaty things I keep seeing in my vision?” Today, we’re talking all about eye floaters—what they are, why they happen, and when they could be a sign of something serious.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Floaters are tiny specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision. You might notice them more when you’re looking at a bright background, like a clear sky or a white wall. These floaters are actually small clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous humor, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of your eye.

As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks and becomes more liquid. This natural change can cause fibers within the vitreous to clump together and cast shadows on the retina—those shadows are what you perceive as floaters.

Are Floaters Normal?

In many cases, floaters are a normal part of aging and are usually harmless. They may come and go or simply fade into the background over time. But while floaters alone may not be a cause for concern, there are certain situations where they may signal a more serious problem.

When to See a Retina Specialist

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek prompt evaluation:

A sudden increase in floaters
Flashes of light (like camera flashes or lightning streaks)
A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision
Any sudden loss of vision or distortion

These could be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment—conditions that require immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

How We Diagnose and Treat Floaters

At Retina Associates, we use specialized diagnostic tools like dilated eye exams, retinal imaging, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to evaluate the cause and severity of floaters. In many cases, no treatment is needed. However, if floaters are caused by a retinal tear or detachment, we offer advanced surgical and laser procedures to repair the retina and preserve your vision.

Can Floaters Be Prevented?

While floaters can’t always be prevented, maintaining overall eye health can help reduce your risk of retinal problems. Here are a few quick tips:

Schedule regular eye exams, especially after age 50
Protect your eyes from trauma
Manage underlying health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Report any new visual symptoms promptly

What Are Eye Floaters—and When Should You Be Concerned?