What Those Tiny Specks in Your Vision Really
Understanding Eye Floaters: Causes and When to Seek Help
If you notice small dots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision, you may be seeing eye floaters.
These moving shadows are usually harmless but can be distracting, especially against bright backgrounds.
Floaters are caused by tiny clumps in the vitreous humor—the clear, gel-like fluid inside the eye.
As we age, this fluid shrinks and fibers can clump together, casting shadows on the retina that appear as floaters.
Most are part of normal aging, though they can also result from eye inflammation,
internal bleeding, previous surgery, or posterior vitreous detachment.
A sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light or vision changes,
should prompt an eye exam to rule out retinal tears or detachment.
Specialists may use a dilated exam, ultrasound, or OCT to diagnose them.
While most floaters fade or become less noticeable,
severe cases may be treated with laser therapy or vitrectomy.
Regular eye care and protective habits help maintain healthy vision.
