Overview
Floaters are common, especially with age, and are usually harmless. A sudden increase in floaters can be a sign of a retinal tear and needs urgent care.
Symptoms
- Spots, dots, threads or cobweb shapes in vision
- Floaters that move when your eyes move
- More noticeable against a plain bright background
Causes and risk factors
Most are caused by age-related changes in the jelly inside the eye. Short-sightedness, eye surgery, inflammation and diabetes increase the risk.
Diagnosis
An eye specialist examines the inside of the eye after dilating the pupils.
Treatment
Most floaters need no treatment and become less noticeable over time. Rarely, severe floaters are treated with laser or surgery.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent eye care for a sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across your vision. KIH can guide you to an eye specialist.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.