Seeing small, drifting shapes in your vision — often described as dots, threads, or squiggly lines — can be surprising and sometimes unsettling. These are commonly known as “floaters,” and many people notice them when looking at a bright sky, a white wall, or a screen. In most cases, they are a normal part of aging and occur when tiny clumps form inside the gel-like substance of the eye.
Eye doctors explain that floaters usually move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to focus on them. For many people, the brain gradually learns to ignore them, making them less noticeable over time. They are often harmless and don’t require treatment, especially if they appear slowly and remain unchanged.
