Vitreous Floaters: What They Are, Why They Happen, and What You Can Do

When you see spots, threads, or cobwebs drifting across your vision, especially when looking at a bright sky or white wall, you’re likely seeing vitreous floaters, small clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous humor of the eye that cast shadows on the retina. Also known as eye floaters, they’re not a disease—they’re a normal part of aging for most people. As you get older, the clear, jelly-like substance inside your eye—the vitreous—starts to shrink and pull away from the retina. This process, called vitreous detachment, a common age-related change where the vitreous separates from the back of the eye, is what usually causes floaters to appear. It’s not dangerous on its own, but it can sometimes lead to something that is.

Not all floaters are harmless. A sudden increase in floaters, especially if they come with flashes of light or a shadow over your vision, could signal a retinal tear, a serious condition where the retina develops a small hole or rip during vitreous separation. Left untreated, a retinal tear can turn into a retinal detachment, which can cause permanent vision loss. That’s why it’s not enough to just accept floaters as normal—you need to know the warning signs. Most people over 50 will get floaters, but only a small percentage will have a retinal tear. Still, that small percentage needs to act fast.

There’s no magic cure for floaters. Most fade over time as your brain learns to ignore them. Surgery to remove the vitreous (vitrectomy) is risky and rarely recommended unless floaters are extremely severe. Laser treatment exists too, but it’s not widely accepted and doesn’t work for everyone. What you can do is monitor your symptoms, protect your eyes from trauma, and get checked if anything changes suddenly. Eye health isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s about catching problems before they steal your sight.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve dealt with these symptoms, from understanding when to see a doctor to how to tell the difference between harmless floaters and something that needs urgent care. These aren’t generic tips—they’re based on real cases, clinical guidance, and what actually works for patients.