What an Eye Doctor Says You Should Do If You Start Seeing Floaters
If you’ve ever looked at a bright sky or a white wall and noticed tiny squiggly shapes drifting across your vision, you’re not alone. These visual disturbances are known as floaters, and while they’re often harmless, eye doctors warn that some cases require urgent attention.
What Exactly Are Floaters?
Floaters are tiny clumps of collagen inside the eye’s vitreous gel. As the gel becomes thinner with age—or due to dehydration, stress, or eye strain—these particles cast shadows on the retina, creating the illusion of moving spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes.
When Floaters Are Normal
Most floaters are benign and simply a natural part of aging. You may also notice them more when:
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Staring at bright backgrounds
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After long screen time
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You’re tired or dehydrated
In these cases, floaters tend to fade or become less noticeable over time.
When You Should Be Concerned
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