Vitreous Floaters

What are Vitreous Floaters?

Floaters are actually tiny clumps of cells or material inside the vitreous, the clear, gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. You can sometimes see them hover within your field of vision while staring at a bland background such as a white wall of paper.

Symptoms of vitreous floaters include seeing small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision, or seeing dots, circles, lines or “cobwebs.” If the vitreous gel shrinks and pulls away from the wall of the eye, the retina can tear. If you notice other symptoms, like the loss of side vision, new floaters or flashes, you should see your ophthalmologist.

• Age

• Trauma

• Myopia (Nearsighted)

Treatment for Vitreous Floaters

Other floaters are usually harmless and fade over time or become less bothersome, requiring no treatment. However, laser treatment or surgical removal of floaters are options for the most bothersome floaters.