Floaters are small specks or strands in the vitreous gel that appear in your field of vision. Floaters can present themselves as different shapes including small dots, circles, clouds, lines and even cobwebs. If you try to look at a floater directly it will move and appear to shoot away.

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What causes them?

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• Aging

• Recent intraocular surgery

• Inflammation inside the eyes

• Posterior vitreous detachments (PVD’s)

• Post cataract and YAG laser capsulotomy surgery

• People who are severely nearsighted

 

Symptoms

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The main difference between floaters and flashes is related to light. Floaters are usually seen in daylight, whereas flashes are typically noticed at night. Most floaters and flashes may disappear or become less noticeable over time. However, please contact the Annan Retina Eye Center immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

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• Rapid decline in vision

• A gray or gradual shading of vision from one side

• A new or sudden onset or change in the pattern of floaters and flashes