Eye Floaters: What They Are, Why They Happen, and What You Can Do

When you see dark specks, threads, or cobwebs drifting across your vision, especially against a bright sky or white wall, you’re likely seeing eye floaters, small clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous humor that cast shadows on the retina. Also known as muscae volitantes, they’re a normal part of aging for most people—but not always. The clear, jelly-like substance inside your eye, called the vitreous humor, a gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina and helps maintain eye shape, slowly shrinks and becomes stringy over time. As it pulls away from the retina, tiny fibers clump together and float in your line of sight. This process, called posterior vitreous detachment, happens to over 75% of people over 65.

Most eye floaters are harmless and fade over time. But if you suddenly see a shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow over your peripheral vision, it could mean a retinal detachment, a serious condition where the retina peels away from the back of the eye, risking permanent vision loss. This isn’t rare—about 1 in 10 people with a sudden increase in floaters have a retinal tear or detachment. If you’re over 50, nearsighted, had eye surgery, or had an eye injury, your risk goes up. Don’t wait. Get checked within 24 hours if symptoms change fast.

There’s no magic cure for harmless floaters. Eye drops, supplements, or eye exercises won’t make them disappear. Laser treatment (vitreolysis) exists but carries risks like retinal damage and isn’t recommended for most people. Surgery to remove the vitreous (vitrectomy) is only used in extreme cases where floaters severely block vision. For most, the brain learns to ignore them. The real focus? Protecting your overall eye health, the condition of your eyes and vision, including prevention of degenerative diseases and early detection of warning signs. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Control blood pressure and diabetes. Get annual eye exams—even if you think your vision is fine. Many eye problems, including early retinal issues, show no symptoms until it’s too late.

What you’ll find below are clear, no-fluff guides on what causes floaters, how to tell if they’re dangerous, what doctors really do when you walk in with complaints, and how other common eye conditions like cataracts or diabetic retinopathy can look similar. No hype. Just facts based on real medical evidence and patient experiences.