What Are Eye Floaters and When Should You Be Concerned?

What are eye floaters?

Eye floaters are small pieces of debris within the eye. They are made up of tiny clumps of protein or cells that form inside the vitreous humour, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye and helps it maintain its shape.

You do not see the floaters themselves, but rather the shadows they cast on the retina when light enters the eye. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that sends visual information to the brain.

Floaters are very common and, in most cases, harmless. They tend to become more noticeable as we age, as natural changes occur within the vitreous.

What do eye floaters look like?

People describe eye floaters in many different ways. Common descriptions include small dots, fine threads, cobweb-like shapes, squiggles, specks, or shadowy marks drifting across your vision.

Because floaters sit within the vitreous gel, they move as your eyes move. When you try to look directly at one, it often seems to drift away. This happens because the vitreous fluid shifts slightly with eye movement, causing the floater to lag behind your focus.

Floaters are often most noticeable against bright or plain backgrounds, such as a white wall, computer screen, or blue sky. The increased contrast makes the shadows they cast more visible.

What causes eye floaters?

The most common cause of eye floaters is ageing. Over time, the vitreous gel naturally thickens, shrinks, and becomes less uniform. As it changes, small clumps can form and cast shadows onto the retina.

Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, increases the likelihood of experiencing floaters at an earlier age. This is because the eye is longer in shape, which places additional stretching forces on the vitreous gel. As a result, the vitreous may break down more quickly, increasing the chance of floaters developing.

Eye injury or previous eye surgery can also lead to floaters. Trauma to the eye may cause bleeding or release pigment into the vitreous, which can appear as spots or cobweb-like shapes. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters following injury or surgery, this should always be checked promptly.

Posterior vitreous detachment, often referred to as PVD, is another common cause. This occurs when the vitreous gel shrinks and pulls away from the retina. During this process, flashes of light may be seen, and a larger ring-shaped floater known as a Weiss ring can appear if the vitreous detaches from the optic nerve. 

While PVD itself is common and usually not harmful, it must be assessed to rule out retinal tears or detachment.

Eye infections or inflammation can also cause floaters. In these cases, floaters may be accompanied by symptoms such as redness, pain, or blurred vision. Urgent assessment is essential if these symptoms are present.

Are eye floaters normal?

Yes, eye floaters are very common, particularly in people over the age of 40 and those who are short-sighted. 

Many people will experience floaters at some point in their lives, and in most cases they are simply part of the normal ageing process rather than a sign of eye disease.

When should you be concerned about floaters?

Although most floaters are harmless, it is important to be aware of warning signs that require urgent attention. You should seek professional advice immediately if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden increase in the number of floaters
• Flashes of light, particularly if they appear alongside new floaters
• A shadow, curtain, or dark area affecting part of your vision
• Blurred or reduced vision

These symptoms may indicate retinal tears or retinal detachment, both of which require urgent examination and treatment.

Occasional, mild floaters that remain stable are usually nothing to worry about, but regular eye examinations are essential to monitor eye health and rule out complications.

What are flashes and how are they linked to floaters?

Flashes are often described as brief streaks or sparks of light, similar to lightning. They occur when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina, stimulating the light-sensitive cells. This is most commonly associated with posterior vitreous detachment.

Floaters and flashes often appear together. While flashes can be harmless, new, sudden, or persistent flashes should always be checked urgently to rule out retinal damage.

Can stress, tiredness or screens cause floaters?

Stress and fatigue do not directly cause eye floaters, but they can make you more aware of existing ones. When you are tired or anxious, your visual sensitivity may increase, making floaters seem more noticeable.

Screens do not cause floaters either. However, bright screens can increase contrast, which may make floaters stand out more clearly. Stress may also lead to other visual symptoms such as eye strain, twitching, or temporary blurred vision.

Do eye floaters go away?

Floaters often become less noticeable over time, although they rarely disappear completely. The brain gradually learns to ignore them, and many people find they fade into the background of daily life.

In some cases, floaters may settle lower in the eye and move out of the central field of vision. For most people, no treatment is required.

Are there treatments for eye floaters?

As eye floaters are usually harmless and well-tolerated, treatment is rarely recommended. In severe cases where floaters significantly affect quality of life, specialist treatments may be considered.

These include procedures that break larger floaters into smaller, less noticeable pieces or surgery to remove the vitreous gel and replace it with a saline solution. However, these options are invasive and carry risks, including infection and retinal detachment. For this reason, most optometrists recommend monitoring floaters rather than treating them.

Simple measures, such as wearing sunglasses to reduce brightness and contrast, can also help make floaters less noticeable in everyday life.

How are floaters checked during an eye exam?

During your eye examination, your optometrist will ask detailed questions about when your floaters started, how they appear, and whether they have changed.

Dilating eye drops may be used to widen your pupils, allowing a clearer view of the back of the eye. Using specialist instruments, the optometrist can assess the vitreous, retina, and optic nerve to check for any signs of concern.

Advanced imaging, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), may also be used to provide detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and vitreous. 

Regular eye examinations help rule out conditions such as posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, inflammation, or retinal detachment.

How can you protect your eye health?

Looking after your eyes includes attending regular eye examinations, understanding your personal risk factors such as age and short-sightedness, and seeking prompt advice if you notice any changes in your vision. 

Protecting your eyes from injury is also an important part of maintaining long-term eye health.

When to book an eye examination

You should book an eye examination annually, but we encourage you to book one sooner if you notice new or changing floaters, especially if they are accompanied by flashes of light or changes in vision. While most floaters are harmless, having them professionally assessed provides reassurance and ensures any serious conditions are identified early.

Eye floaters are common, but knowing when to seek advice is key. Understanding the warning signs and attending regular eye examinations helps protect your vision and overall eye health.

If you are ever unsure or concerned about changes in your vision, our experienced team is always happy to offer advice and guidance. Early assessment can provide peace of mind and ensure your eyes remain healthy for years to come. Simply book an appointment at one of our branches.