What to Do If You Start Seeing Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are small spots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your vision. They’re often caused by normal age-related changes in the eye’s vitreous gel and usually don’t require treatment. National Eye Institute+1
👁️ If you suddenly notice floaters
- Don’t panic, but don’t automatically ignore them. A new floater can be harmless, but a sudden increase can sometimes indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
- Arrange an eye examination, particularly if the floaters are new or persistent. A dilated eye exam allows an eye doctor to examine the retina. National Eye Institute
- Pay attention to flashes of light. New flashes occurring with floaters are more concerning because they can result from the vitreous pulling on the retina. Academy Store
🚨 Get urgent medical attention if you notice:
- A sudden shower or large increase of floaters
- New flashes of light
- A dark shadow in your peripheral vision
- A gray or black “curtain” moving across your vision
- Sudden blurred or reduced vision
These can be symptoms of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which is an emergency because delayed treatment can result in permanent vision loss. National Eye Institute+1
What causes floaters?
As we age, the vitreous gel becomes more liquid and its collagen fibers can clump together. These clumps cast shadows onto the retina, which we perceive as floaters. They’re more common with aging and in people who are very nearsighted or have had cataract surgery. National Eye Institute
Bottom line: A few longstanding floaters are usually harmless. Sudden new floaters—especially together with flashes or a curtain/shadow—should be evaluated urgently. Don’t try to treat sudden floaters with home remedies or eye drops.
