Retina

Floaters

Shadows in vision caused by vitreous change

Floaters appear as the clear gel-like vitreous filling the eye turns cloudy,
casting shadows onto the retina that look like something drifting in front of you.
Most are a natural part of ageing, but they can sometimes signal sight-threatening
retinal tears or detachment, so a precise exam is needed.

Floater causes & main symptoms

Most floaters arise from age-related vitreous change,
but the symptoms and treatment can differ by cause.

Simply ageing — or a warning sign?

Physiological floaters (ageing & vitreous change)

Cause

As the vitreous liquefies or contracts with age, cloudiness can form;
with high myopia, vitreous bleeding or inflammation, it can also
appear at a relatively young age.

Signs

- Fly- or thread-like floaters appear in your vision
- They stand out more against a bright sky or white wall
- They move with your gaze, then slowly settle

Pathological floaters (may accompany retinal disease)

Cause

Can occur alongside intraocular disease such as retinal tear, detachment,
vitreous haemorrhage or uveitis, and may also arise when eye tissue
is damaged by ocular trauma.

Signs

- Floating spots or debris suddenly increase
- Flashes of light (photopsia) accompany them
- Part of the visual field appears blocked
- Sudden vision loss occurs

Floater examination

Slit-lamp microscopy and fundus examination check the state of the vitreous and retina, and screen for accompanying conditions such as retinal tears or detachment.

If you notice the following symptoms, a detailed examination is recommended

A sudden increase in the number or size of floaters
Persistent flashes of light (photopsia)
Part of the visual field appears blocked or obscured
Vision loss occurring alongside the symptoms
Accompanying eye pain, redness, or headache

Floater treatment

After confirming any abnormality through slit-lamp and fundus examination

Watchful observation

Physiological floaters are often simply monitored without specific treatment,
and symptoms may ease or become less noticeable over time.

Laser & surgical treatment

When floaters cause significant discomfort or an underlying condition is found,
a YAG laser procedure or vitrectomy may be considered depending on the eye.