What are eye floaters?
Floaters are clumps in the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the eye, that cast shadows on the retina. They're easiest to see against a blue sky or white wall and drift when you move your eyes. The most common cause is posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), when the aging gel shrinks and pulls away from the retina; nearsighted people tend to get it earlier (Milston et al., 2016).
When are floaters an emergency?
See an eye doctor the same day if you notice a sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain over part of your vision. These can signal a retinal tear or detachment. In one meta-analysis, about 14% of people with acute floaters and flashes had a retinal tear (Hollands et al., 2009).
Treatment and outlook
Ordinary floaters are harmless, and most people stop noticing them within months as the brain adapts. If they seriously interfere with daily life, YAG laser vitreolysis or vitrectomy may be options, but both carry risks. Regular dilated exams also screen for problems like glaucoma.
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
FAQ
- Do floaters ever go away?
- They often remain but settle out of your line of sight, and your brain learns to ignore them.
- Can eye drops get rid of floaters?
- No eye drop has been proven to dissolve floaters.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-25
References
- Milston, R., Madigan, M. C., & Sebag, J. (2016). Vitreous floaters: Etiology, diagnostics, and management. Survey of Ophthalmology, 61(2), 211–227.
- Hollands, H., Johnson, D., Brox, A. C., et al. (2009). Acute-onset floaters and flashes: Is this patient at risk for retinal detachment? JAMA, 302(20), 2243–2249.