Eye floaters are small shapes that drift across the vision, often seen as dots, strands or cobwebs. They are usually related to changes in the vitreous gel rather than a problem on the eye surface.
Common causes
With age, the vitreous becomes more liquid and collagen fibres clump together, casting shadows on the retina. Sudden showers of new floaters can occur with posterior vitreous detachment or a retinal tear, which needs urgent assessment.
- Most long-standing floaters are harmless and simply a nuisance
- Short-sightedness and previous eye surgery increase the likelihood of floaters
- Inflammation or bleeding into the vitreous can also produce floaters
- A curtain or shadow in the vision alongside floaters raises concern for detachment
