Eye floaters are tiny shapes—often seen as spots, threads, or squiggly lines—that drift across your vision, especially against bright backgrounds like the sky or a white wall. They are usually caused by age-related changes in the vitreous, the gel inside the eye, where fibers clump together and cast shadows on the retina. While generally harmless, floaters can sometimes signal serious problems such as retinal tears or detachment, especially if accompanied by sudden flashes of light or a dark shadow moving across your vision. These cases require immediate medical attention.

Most floaters fade into the background and don’t need treatment, but if they significantly impair vision, procedures such as vitrectomy or laser therapy may help, though both carry risks. Eye doctors typically use dilated exams to diagnose floaters and rule out underlying conditions. Higher risk factors include aging, nearsightedness, cataract surgery, and diabetes. In most cases, reassurance is all that’s needed, but being aware of warning signs can help prevent permanent vision loss.