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Eye & EarICD-10: H43.3Extremely common; most people over 50 experience some floaters

Eye Floaters

Also known as: Vitreous Floaters, Floaters and Flashes

Eye floaters are small dark shapes that drift across your field of vision, appearing as spots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobwebs. They are caused by age-related changes in the vitreous humor, the jelly-like substance inside the eye. While usually harmless, a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, can indicate a retinal tear or detachment requiring emergency care.

Symptoms

Small dark shapes floating in the field of vision
Spots that move when you try to look at them directly
Shapes most noticeable against a plain bright background
Strings or cobwebs drifting across vision
Flashes of light (may indicate retinal involvement)

Causes

  • Age-related vitreous degeneration (liquefaction and collapse)
  • Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — common after age 50
  • Vitreous hemorrhage from diabetic retinopathy or trauma
  • Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
  • Retinal tear or detachment

Risk Factors

  • Age over 50
  • Nearsightedness (myopia)
  • Previous eye surgery (cataract surgery)
  • Diabetes
  • Eye trauma

Diagnosis

  • Dilated eye examination to examine the vitreous and retina
  • Slit-lamp examination
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) if retinal pathology is suspected
  • Ultrasound of the eye if vitreous hemorrhage obscures the view

Treatment

  • Most floaters require no treatment and become less noticeable over time
  • Vitrectomy (surgical removal of vitreous) for severe, vision-impairing floaters
  • YAG laser vitreolysis to break up large floaters
  • Emergency treatment of retinal tear or detachment if detected

When to See a Doctor

  • Sudden increase in the number of floaters
  • Flashes of light in your peripheral vision
  • A shadow or curtain effect across part of your vision
  • Any sudden change in vision

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Glaucoma

Eye & Ear

Cataracts

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Content reviewed against peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines. Read our editorial standards.