What to do if you suddenly see eye floaters
Eye floaters—small dots, lines, cobwebs, or shadows that seem to move across your vision—are common, particularly as people get older. They often result from normal changes in the gel inside the eye. Academy Store
However, new floaters shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as harmless.
🚨 Get an urgent eye examination if:
🚨 Get an urgent eye examination if:
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You suddenly develop many new floaters.
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You see flashes of light, especially lightning-like streaks.
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A dark shadow or curtain appears in your vision.
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You suddenly lose part of your peripheral or central vision.
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Your vision becomes noticeably blurred or reduced.
These symptoms can indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which can threaten vision and requires prompt treatment. Academy Store+1
What should you do?
If the floaters are new or substantially different from what you’ve experienced before, arrange an examination with an ophthalmologist, usually including a dilated examination of the retina. This is particularly important if you’re nearsighted, have had cataract/eye surgery, have experienced eye trauma, or have previously had a retinal tear or detachment. Academy Store+1
Don’t try to treat new floaters with eye drops or supplements on your own. The key is determining whether there is a retinal problem.
If you are experiencing a sudden shower of floaters, flashes, or a curtain/shadow over your vision right now, seek urgent ophthalmic care today.
