What are common eye floaters?

Common eye floaters are small specks, dots, lines, rings, or cobweb-like shapes that drift through your vision. You may notice them more when you look at a bright sky, white wall, computer screen, or another light background. Floaters often move when your eyes move and may drift away when you try to look directly at them.

What causes eye floaters?

Eye floaters often come from age-related changes in the vitreous, the clear gel inside the eye. As the vitreous shrinks or changes texture, it can cast tiny shadows on the retina. Floaters can also develop from nearsightedness, eye inflammation, eye injury, bleeding inside the eye, previous eye surgery, or retinal tears.

When should I worry about eye floaters?

You should worry about eye floaters if they appear suddenly, increase quickly, or happen with flashes of light, blurry vision, loss of side vision, eye pain, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision. These symptoms can point to a retinal tear or retinal detachment and need prompt eye care.

Are eye floaters normal as you get older?

Yes, eye floaters can become more common with age because the vitreous gel naturally changes over time. Many age-related floaters do not need treatment. However, new or changing floaters should still be checked, especially if they appear suddenly or come with flashes, shadows, or vision loss.

Can eye floaters go away on their own?

Some floaters become less noticeable over time as they settle or your brain learns to ignore them. Others may remain visible, especially in bright lighting. Even if floaters seem mild, a dilated eye exam can help confirm that your retina looks healthy.

How does an eye doctor check eye floaters?

An eye doctor usually checks floaters with a dilated eye exam. Dilation allows your doctor to look at the vitreous, retina, and optic nerve more carefully. Your doctor may also use retinal imaging or other testing if they suspect a retinal tear, detachment, bleeding, or inflammation.

Can eye floaters mean I have a retinal tear?

Yes, eye floaters can sometimes signal a retinal tear, especially when they appear suddenly or come with flashes of light. A retinal tear can lead to retinal detachment if it does not receive prompt treatment. That is why sudden floaters should never be ignored.

What is the treatment for eye floaters?

Treatment depends on the cause. Many floaters only need monitoring if the retina looks healthy. If your doctor finds a retinal tear, retinal detachment, bleeding, or inflammation, you may need retina care. Your eye doctor will explain the safest next step based on your exam results.

Does Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center treat eye floaters in Arizona?

Yes. Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center evaluates eye floaters for patients across Arizona. If you notice new floaters, flashes of light, blurry vision, or a shadow in your vision, schedule an eye exam so the care team can check your retina and guide your next step.

Category: Retina

Common Eye Floaters: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

July 9, 2025

Eye floaters are small specks, dots, strands, or cobweb-like shapes that drift through your vision, especially when you look at a bright sky, white wall, or computer screen. Common causes …

Learn More

Hyperopia: Treatment Options for Farsightedness

June 30, 2025

Treatment options for farsightedness start with understanding how hyperopia affects your vision. When nearby objects appear blurry but distant ones stay clear, you’re not alone—millions live with this standard refractive …

Learn More

Vision Changes and Driving: How Aging Eyes Affect Road Safety

May 28, 2024

Vision changes can make driving feel different long before they interfere with other parts of your day. Headlights may create more glare, road signs may look less distinct, or your …

Learn More

Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease

April 10, 2023

Diabetic eye disease includes several eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions may develop before you notice pain …

Learn More

< 1 2

Category: Retina

Categories