What causes floaters?
In many cases, floaters are a normal part of aging. They occur when the gel-like substance inside the eye (the vitreous) changes and tiny clumps cast shadows on the retina.
Other possible causes include:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Eye injury
- Eye inflammation
- Bleeding inside the eye
- A retinal tear or retinal detachment (less common but serious)
What should you do?
If the floaters are mild and unchanged
- They often become less noticeable over time.
- Moving your eyes up and down may shift them out of your central vision.
- Keep up with routine eye examinations.
Seek urgent eye care if you notice:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- A dark curtain or shadow coming over part of your vision
- Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision after new floaters
- Floaters following an eye injury
These symptoms can be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which requires prompt treatment to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
Can floaters be prevented?
Age-related floaters usually cannot be prevented. However, protecting your eyes by wearing safety eyewear during risky activities, managing conditions such as diabetes, and having regular eye exams can help maintain overall eye health.
Bottom line
Most eye floaters are harmless and related to normal aging, but a sudden change in floaters—especially when accompanied by flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow in your vision—is an emergency and should be evaluated by an eye care professional as soon as possible.
