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Eye Floaters
Floaters are small shapes that drift across your vision, like dots, threads or cobwebs. Most are harmless and part of normal ageing of the eye.
Causes & risk factors
- Age-related changes in the jelly (vitreous) of the eye
- Short-sightedness (myopia)
- Previous eye surgery or injury
- Inflammation inside the eye
- Diabetic eye disease
- Rarely, a retinal tear
Common symptoms
- Small dots, threads or cobwebs drifting in vision
- Shapes that move as you move your eyes
- More visible against a bright background
- Occasional blurring
Tests & diagnosis
- Dilated retinal examination
- Eye examination
- OCT scan if needed
Treatment & management
- Most floaters need no treatment and settle with time
- The brain often learns to ignore them
- Treating any underlying eye condition
- Surgery is only rarely considered for severe cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- A sudden shower of new floaters
- Flashes of light with the floaters
- A dark curtain or shadow over vision
- Any floaters with loss of vision (seek urgent care)
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about eye floaters. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Are floaters dangerous?
Most are harmless age changes. But a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes or a shadow, can signal a retinal tear and needs urgent review.
Will floaters go away?
They often become less noticeable over time as they settle and the brain learns to ignore them, though they may not disappear completely.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.