What shape are floaters?

Floaters are a common condition affecting many people. They often appear as small moving specks or strands in your vision that are more prominent in brighter settings.

What shapes are most common for floaters?

Floaters most commonly present as black or grey specks, strands, or cobwebs.

What happens if my floaters become worse?

Please seek care from your optometrist if you are experiencing a new onset of floaters, an increase in size or number of floaters, or any flashes or shadows/curtain veils in your vision. Any of these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition such as a retinal tear or detachment , where the light‑sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of your eye separates from the outer layer of the eye, ultimately affecting vision.

floaters | Specsavers CA

What are floaters?

Floaters are cell or protein clumps floating in the gel that fills the eye, called the vitreous humor. They’re not usually anything to worry about, but if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like flashes or shadows/curtain veils in your vision, it’s important to get in touch with your optometrist as it could be a sign of another more serious condition.

Symptoms

Floaters usually appear as black or translucent spots or strands, which give the impression of seeing something ‘float’ across your field of vision. Most are very small and move out of your vision very quickly.

They are most noticeable when looking at a bright plain background, like a white wall, or when looking up to the sky.

Symptoms of new floaters may also be accompanied by experiencing flashing lights across your vision, such as streaks of bright light.

In rare occasions, new floaters and flashing lights can sometimes be an indication of a retinal tear or detachment, a potentially serious sight‑threatening conditions. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek care from your optometrist or report to the hospital as soon as possible.

Common causes

Floaters are cell or protein clumps floating in the eye's vitreous humor. The vitreous humor is a gelatinous substance that fills the eye and helps maintain its shape. As we age, the vitreous humor transitions from a gel‑like substance to one of a watery nature. Floaters occur as a result of clumps of the vitreous humor moving round this watery space.

The specks or strands formed cast shadows on the retina, which results in the appearance of something floating in front of your eye.

Treatment

Long‑standing and stable floaters are usually harmless and can be detected and assessed by your optometrist during your eye exam. Most floaters usually don’t require any treatment and you will likely notice them less over time. Your optometrist will examine your floaters and determine if they could be associated with another condition that may need more management and attention.

Next steps

We want to help you see clearly and keep your eyes healthy for as long as possible. If your optometrist detects any signs of an eye condition during your comprehensive eye exam, they will determine an appropriate management plan that suits your needs.

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Reviewed by Dr. Stephanie Kwan

Dr. Stephanie Kwan grew up in Toronto and completed her optometric training at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. She is the optometrist partner at Specsavers Lime Ridge Mall. She is dual licensed and certified in both the United States and Canada to prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to treat and manage ocular disease. Dr. Kwan is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Noticed a change in your eyesight?

If you have any concerns about your eye health, contact or visit your local optometrist immediately – even if you do not have an appointment.