Floaters are tiny shapes that drift across your field of vision, and while they are often a normal part of aging, a sudden change can signal a serious problem that requires immediate attention.
👁️ What Are Floaters?
Floaters are small dark shapes that appear to float in front of your eyes. They are not an object outside the eye, but are actually small clumps of cells or protein that form in the vitreous, the clear, gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye .
They can take many forms, including:
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Dark specks or dots
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Thread-like strands or squiggly lines
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Cobweb-like shapes
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Small shadowy shapes that move as your eyes move
🧐 Why Do Floaters Happen?
The most common cause is a natural change in the vitreous gel as we age. Over time, the gel can shrink and become more liquid, causing the collagen fibers within it to clump together and cast shadows on the retina .
⏰ When Should You See a Doctor?