Eye floaters are tiny shapes that drift across your vision, often appearing as “spots, threads, or squiggly lines.” They’re most visible against bright backgrounds and tend to move when your eyes move. While they might seem alarming, floaters are usually harmless.

Floaters are mainly due to aging. As we grow older, “the vitreous becomes more liquid and the microscopic fibers within it can clump together,” creating shadows on the retina that we see as floaters.

In most cases, they’re a normal part of aging. Experts note, “Eye ‘floaters’ are not usually a concern.” However, not all floaters should be ignored.

Occasionally, floaters can be linked to serious conditions like “eye infections, uveitis (inflammation within the eye), or retinal tears or detachment.” These require immediate medical attention, especially if floaters appear suddenly, worsen quickly, or are accompanied by flashes of light or vision loss.

Understanding the difference between harmless floaters and those signaling a medical issue can help ease anxiety and ensure timely treatment when needed.