Understanding Eye Floaters: Causes and When to Seek Help

Eye floaters are tiny spots, strings, or cobweb-like shapes that drift through your vision. They often appear as gray or black specks and tend to move as your eyes shift. Large floaters may cast shadows, causing dark spots in vision. These floaters are caused mainly by age-related changes, where the vitreous gel inside the eye becomes more liquid and clumps. Floaters are most noticeable when looking at bright, plain surfaces. Sudden increases, flashes of light, or peripheral vision loss require urgent medical attention. Common causes include aging, eye injuries, nearsightedness, inflammation, blood vessel damage, and certain eye surgeries. Not all floaters indicate serious problems, but persistent or sudden changes can signal severe conditions like retinal detachment or bleeding, necessitating prompt care. Prevention focuses on managing risk factors and regular eye check-ups. Recognizing symptoms early can prevent potential vision loss.