Floaters

Medical and surgical treatment for changes in the vitreous gel

Floaters are small specks, strands, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your vision. They are tiny clumps or condensations inside the vitreous—the clear, gel-like substance filling the back of the eye. While they may seem to move when you try to look at them directly, floaters actually drift as your eye moves and then settle down when your eyes stop moving.

What are Floaters?

Common Types and Symptoms

Dark specks, strings, or cobweb shapes moving in the vision

  1. Greater visibility against bright backgrounds (like a blue sky or white wall)

  2. Sudden shower of new floaters may sometimes be accompanied by flashes of light

  3. Usually not painful, but can be distracting or bothersome

Causes and Risk Factors

Our Approach to Treatment

At The Retina Institute, we take the time to carefully evaluate your floaters and guide you through the best treatment options.

  1. Careful Examination

    • A full dilated eye exam and imaging help us make sure there are no retinal tears or other concerns.

  2. Observation (Most Cases)

    • In most people, floaters fade or become less noticeable with time. Often, no treatment is needed.

  3. Surgical Treatment (When Floaters Are Severe)

    • Vitrectomy: A delicate procedure that removes the gel inside the eye along with the floaters, replacing it with a clear solution. This can greatly improve vision when floaters interfere with daily life.

    • Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks (including retinal detachment, infection, or cataract formation), which we will review with you carefully.

  4. Ongoing Care & Support

    • We provide close follow-up and are always here if new symptoms arise. Your peace of mind and vision are our priority.

Normal aging: Most floaters are simply age-related changes in the eye.

  • Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): A common event where the gel inside the eye separates from the retina.

  • Other causes: Prior eye surgery, trauma, inflammation, or bleeding in the eye.

  • Risk factors: Being over 50, nearsightedness, or having a history of retinal problems.

⚠️ Important: A sudden shower of new floaters, especially with flashes of light or a dark “curtain” in your vision, may be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. This is an eye emergency and should be checked right away.