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Eye floaters

Also called: Eye floaters, floaters, spots in vision

Small specks, threads, or cobwebs that drift across your vision. They're very common with age and usually harmless, but a sudden shower of new floaters needs urgent care.

TypeUsually harmless
Common inOver 50, nearsighted people
Urgent signSudden new floaters or flashes

Overview

Floaters are clumps in the gel that fills the eye. They cast shadows on the retina.

Sudden new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain over vision can mean a retinal tear or detachment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Floaters or specks drifting in vision

Less common

  • Flashes of light

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden loss of vision.
Get care todayA sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain over part of your vision.
See a doctor soonFloaters that are new or changing.

Causes

Age-related changes in the eye's gel; less often bleeding, inflammation, or a retinal tear.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Age over 50
  • Nearsightedness
  • Eye surgery or injury

Possible complications

Diagnosis

An eye doctor checks the retina.

Questions you may be asked

  • When floaters started
  • Flashes or vision loss

The exam

A dilated eye exam.

Treatment

Most floaters need no treatment and become less noticeable.

Self-care

  • Move your eyes up and down to shift a floater out of the way

Rarely, surgery or laser is used for floaters that seriously block vision.

Prevention

You can't prevent them, but:

  • Get regular eye exams

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most floaters are harmless.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Is my retina OK?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Eye floaters

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.