Floaters and Spots

Floaters and spots are tiny specks, cobweb-like shapes, or thread-like strands that drift across your vision. They are most noticeable when looking at a bright background, like a clear blue sky or a white wall. Although they may seem to be in front of your eye, they are actually inside and moving with your eye’s movement. Most floaters are harmless, but a sudden increase can signal an eye issue.

• Cobweb Floaters: Thin, thread-like shapes that resemble spider webs, often drifting slowly across your vision.

• Dots or Specks: Small, round spots that can appear black or gray, usually noticeable against bright backgrounds.

• Cloud-like Floaters: Larger, blurry shapes resembling clouds or blobs, which may move in and out of your field of vision.

• Ring-shaped Floaters: Circular or oval floaters, sometimes called “vitreous cysts,” that float and shift with eye movement.

• Thread-like Floaters: Long, thin strands that twist and turn within your vision.

• Floaters are tiny spots, specks, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision.

• They are caused by small clumps of collagen fibers inside the vitreous, the gel-like substance filling the eye.

• As we age, the vitreous shrinks and becomes more liquid, causing these fibers to clump together and cast shadows on the retina.

• Other causes include eye injuries, inflammation, bleeding inside the eye, or after eye surgery.

• Sometimes floaters appear due to retinal tears or detachment, which require immediate medical attention.

As we age, the vitreous humor in our eyes begins to liquefy and shrink, pulling away from the retina—a process known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This natural change typically begins after age 50 and can lead to an increase in floaters. While common and usually not serious, these floaters can be a nuisance and should be monitored, especially if accompanied by flashing lights or vision loss.

Floaters become a medical emergency if you experience a sudden onset of many floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision. These may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate care from an eye specialist to prevent serious complications.

Floaters are small spots or threads that drift across your vision, caused by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous of the eye.

Most floaters are harmless and don’t require treatment.

If floaters significantly affect vision, treatments include:

• Laser therapy: Uses focused light to break up floaters.

• Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the vitreous gel containing floaters.

Always consult an eye specialist to determine the best option based on severity and risk.

You should see an eye doctor if floaters suddenly increase, change shape, or are accompanied by flashes of light or vision loss. Regular eye exams are important to monitor eye health, especially if you are over 50 or have risk factors like nearsightedness or diabetes. Early detection ensures prompt treatment and helps prevent more serious vision problems.