Post-Cataract Floaters: What They Are, Why They Happen, and What You Can Do

After cataract surgery, many people notice new post-cataract floaters, tiny specks or strands that drift across your vision, especially when looking at bright backgrounds. These are not a sign of failure—they’re a normal side effect of the procedure, often linked to changes in the vitreous detachment, the natural shrinking and pulling away of the gel-like substance inside your eye that happens as you age. While cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens, it doesn’t stop the vitreous from shifting, and sometimes that shift makes floaters more noticeable than before.

Floaters aren’t new, but they become obvious after cataract surgery because your vision suddenly gets clearer. Before surgery, the cloudy lens blurred everything, including the floaters. After surgery, your eyes see more detail, and suddenly, those little shadows you never noticed before are front and center. This doesn’t mean they got worse—it means you’re seeing them better. In most cases, they fade over weeks or months as your brain learns to ignore them. But if they come with flashes of light, a sudden curtain over your vision, or a big increase in number, that’s a red flag. It could mean a retinal tear, a serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, which needs immediate care. Don’t wait. Get checked if anything changes fast.

There’s no magic fix for floaters after cataract surgery. Eye drops, supplements, or exercises won’t make them disappear. But you can manage them. Keep your eyes hydrated, avoid bright glare by wearing sunglasses, and give yourself time. Most people adapt without treatment. If floaters are truly crippling—rare, but possible—a doctor might suggest a vitrectomy, a surgery to remove the vitreous. But that’s only for extreme cases. For most, patience and awareness are the best tools.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been there. Posts cover everything from how to tell if your floaters are harmless or dangerous, to what eye doctors actually look for during follow-ups, to how lifestyle choices like hydration and screen time affect visibility. You’ll also find advice on managing other post-surgery eye changes, like glare sensitivity or dryness, that often come with floaters. No fluff. No guesses. Just clear, tested info to help you know what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do next.