The most common cause is changes in the gel (vitreous) inside the eye. As we age, the vitreous becomes more liquid and tiny fibers can clump together, casting shadows on the retina. This is often a normal part of aging.
Common causes
- Age-related changes in the vitreous
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Previous eye surgery or eye injury
- Inflammation inside the eye
- Less commonly, a retinal problem
What to do
- If you’ve had a few stable floaters for a long time and your eye exam is normal, they usually don’t require treatment.
- If floaters are new or bothersome, schedule a comprehensive eye examination with an eye care professional to determine the cause.
🚨 Get urgent medical care if you notice:
- A sudden shower of new floaters
- Flashes of light
- A dark curtain or shadow coming across part of your vision
- Sudden loss of peripheral or central vision
These symptoms can be signs of a Retinal detachment or a Retinal tear, which require prompt treatment to help preserve vision.
Can they be treated?
Most floaters become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts. In rare cases where floaters severely interfere with vision, an ophthalmologist may discuss treatments such as laser therapy or surgery, but these are reserved for selected cases because they carry risks.
Bottom line: A few floaters are common, especially with age. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes or vision loss, is an eye emergency and should be evaluated immediately.
