If you’ve noticed tiny specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision—especially against a bright sky or white wall—you’ve likely seen eye floaters. These visual disturbances are common and usually harmless, but understanding their causes and warning signs is important for eye health.

Eye floaters are small shadows in your field of vision, appearing as black or gray dots, squiggly lines, or thread-like strands. They move with your eyes and are most visible against plain, bright backgrounds. The primary cause is age-related changes in the vitreous humor, the jelly-like substance inside the eye.

As it shrinks and liquefies, microscopic fibers clump together, casting shadows on the retina. Other causes include posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, eye inflammation, hemorrhaging, and certain surgeries or medications. While most floaters are benign, seek immediate attention if you notice sudden increases in floaters, flashes of light, vision loss, or eye pain.

These symptoms may indicate serious conditions like retinal detachment. Eye doctors diagnose floaters using dilated exams, ocular ultrasound, or optical coherence tomography (OCT) to rule out complications. Treatment isn’t always necessary, as floaters often become less noticeable over time. Severe cases may be treated with vitrectomy or laser therapy, though both carry risks. Regular eye check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help maintain vision. Eye floaters are often harmless, but sudden changes should never be ignored. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice about your eye health.