Floaters: What They Are and What to Do If You Notice Them, According to an Ophthalmologist

Floaters are a common visual phenomenon that many people notice but often misunderstand. They can appear as small spots, threads, wavy lines, or spiderweb-like shapes floating in the field of vision. Floaters are especially noticeable against bright backgrounds, such as a clear sky or a white wall, and appear to move with the movement of the eyes, often darting away when trying to focus. Some floaters remain in one spot, while others move, and in some cases, people may even notice flashes of light, according to Healthline.

Floaters are actually tiny particles of collagen, a protein that floats in the gel at the back of the eye, the vitreous. As we age, these fibers shrink and clump together, casting tiny shadows on the retina—the floaters we see.

The flashes of light that some people experience occur when the vitreous pulls on the retina.

If floaters or flashes appear suddenly or increase significantly, it’s important to consult an eye doctor.
These phenomena are more common in people between the ages of 50 and 75, those who are nearsighted, or those who have undergone cataract surgery. While they’re harmless in most cases, it’s important to know when to consult a doctor.

If floaters and flashes are accompanied by vision loss, they may be a sign of more serious conditions, such as eye infections, inflammation (uveitis), retinal tears or detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, or migraine headaches.

According to the Vision Center, floaters and flashes can be diagnosed by a doctor through a dilated eye exam. During this exam, the doctor will apply eye drops to dilate the pupils and check for floaters. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment.

Some treatments include vitrectomy, an invasive surgery that can remove floaters from the visual field through a small incision, and laser therapy, which helps reduce floaters by breaking them up, according to Healthline. This latter procedure is not always recommended as it is still experimental.

Don’t forget that the best way to keep your eyes and vision healthy is to have regular checkups and pay attention to potential symptoms that could be a sign of an underlying condition.

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