What Are Eye Floaters? Here What To Do If you Start Seeing Them, According to an Eye Doctor
- Small dots or specks
- Wavy lines or threads
- Cobweb-like shapes
- Tiny rings
They tend to “float” or drift as your eye moves, and they often seem to dart away when you try to look directly at them. “These are typically harmless and a natural part of getting older,” one eye doctor explains.
What Causes Them?
While aging is the most common cause, there are other reasons why someone might see floaters. These can include:
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): This is a very common condition where the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina. It often happens in middle-aged and older adults and can cause a sudden increase in floaters.
- Eye Injuries: A direct blow to the eye can sometimes cause floaters.
- Inflammation or Infection: Conditions like uveitis, which is inflammation in the eye, can release cells that appear as floaters.
- Nearsightedness: People who are very nearsighted are more likely to experience floaters earlier in life.
When Should You Be Concerned?
