Have you ever looked at a bright sky, a white wall, or a computer screen and noticed little specks drifting across your vision?

They may look like:

Tiny dots
Squiggly lines
Cobweb shapes
Clear bubbles
Little shadows that float around

These are called eye floaters.

Eye floaters are very common, and while they can be annoying, they are usually harmless.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Inside your eye is a clear, jelly-like substance called the vitreous.

Think of the vitreous like:

Clear Jell-O
Or the inside of a snow globe

This jelly helps your eye keep its shape and allows light to travel through your eye so you can see clearly.

Over time, tiny bits of the vitreous can clump together. When light enters your eye, those clumps create small shadows on the retina (the part of your eye that senses light).

Those shadows are what you see as floaters.

Why Do Eye Floaters Move Around?

Floaters seem like they are “swimming” away when you try to look at them.

That happens because floaters are suspended inside the vitreous gel.

When you move your eyes:

The jelly shifts
The floaters drift
They appear to move across your vision

Floaters are not on the surface of your eye — they are inside it.

What Causes Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are usually caused by normal aging changes inside the eye.

Common causes include:

1. Aging

As we get older, the vitreous becomes more watery and can form tiny clumps.

2. Nearsightedness

People who are nearsighted often notice floaters earlier in life.

3. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

This is a common age-related change when the vitreous pulls away from the retina.

4. Eye Surgery or Injury

Floaters may appear after cataract surgery or trauma.

Most floaters are normal and not dangerous.

Are Eye Floaters Serious?

In most cases, eye floaters are harmless.

Many people live with floaters every day, and the brain often learns to ignore them over time.

However, sudden changes can sometimes signal a more serious eye problem.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

You should call your eye doctor right away if you experience:

A sudden increase in floaters
Flashes of light in your vision
A dark curtain or shadow over part of your sight
Sudden blurry vision

These symptoms could be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which requires urgent treatment.

Can Eye Floaters Be Treated?

Most floaters do not need treatment.

However, if floaters severely affect vision, options may include:

Observation and monitoring
Vitrectomy surgery (rarely needed)
Laser treatment in select cases

Your eye doctor will help determine the safest and most appropriate choice.

The Bottom Line: Eye Floaters Are Usually Normal

Eye floaters are tiny clumps inside the jelly of your eye that cast shadows on your retina. They may look unusual, but they are usually a normal part of aging.

The most important thing is to pay attention to sudden changes and schedule an eye exam if new symptoms appear.

Healthy eyes help you keep seeing clearly for years to come.

✨ If you have questions about floaters or changes in your vision, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your local eye care provider.

Eye Floaters: What They Are