Flying flies (zwevers)

Article
2021-01-31

Floaters are small dark shapes that float through your view. They can look like spots, threads, squiggly lines, or even tiny spider webs.

Most people have floaters that come and go, and they often don't need treatment. But sometimes floaters can be a sign of a more serious eye condition. So if you notice any new floaters that appear suddenly and don't go away, it's important to tell your eye doctor.

What are the symptoms of floaters?

Floaters move when your eyes move - so if you try to view them directly, they seem to move away. When your eyes stop moving, floats will continue to drift past your view.

You may notice floaters more if you look at something clear, such as white paper or a blue sky.

Am I at risk for floaters?

Most everyone develops floaters with age, but some people are at higher risk. You're at higher risk if you:

Are very nearsighted
Having diabetes
Have had surgery to treat cataracts

What causes floaters?

Floaters usually arise from normal changes in your eyes. As you age, small strands of your vitreous humor (the gel-like fluid that fills your eye) stick together and cast shadows on your retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye). Those shadows appear as floaters.

Sometimes floaters have more serious causes, including:

Eye infections
Eye injury
Uveitis (inflammation in the eye)
Bleeding in the eye
Vitreous detachment (when the vitreous pulls away from the retina)
Retinal tear (when the release of the vitreous humor tears a hole in the retina)
Retinal detachment (when the retina is pulled away from the back of the eye)

When to get help right away

Sometimes new floaters can be a sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment - when the retina is torn or pulled out of its normal position at the back of the eye.

Symptoms can include:

Lots of new floaters that appear suddenly, sometimes with flashes of light
A dark shadow (such as a curtain) or blurred area in your side or central vision

Tearing or detachment of the retina can be a medical emergency . If you have these symptoms, it's important to see your eye doctor or the emergency room right away.

How does my eye doctor check for floaters?

Your eye doctor can check floaters as part of a dilated eye exam. Your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (dilate) your pupil and then check your eyes for floaters and other eye problems.

This examination is usually painless. The doctor may press on your eyelids to check for retinal tears, which can be uncomfortable for some people.

Learn what to expect during an enlarged eye exam

What is the treatment for floaters?

Treatment for floaters depends on the cause. If your floaters are caused by another eye condition, you may need treatment for that condition.

If your floaters are caused by aging and it doesn't bother you, then you probably don't need treatment.

If your floaters are making it difficult to see clearly and are interfering with your daily life, your eye doctor may suggest surgery called a vitrectomy to remove the floaters. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this surgery.

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