Specialty Vision · Vision symptoms

Why do I see floating spots and cobwebs?

Floaters are drifting specks, threads or cobwebs that move across your view, most visible against a bright background.

What it looks like

Floaters are tiny clumps inside the eye's clear gel (the vitreous) casting shadows on the retina. Most are harmless and come from normal age-related shrinking of the gel, becoming less noticeable over time. But a sudden shower of new floaters — especially with flashes of light or a shadow — can signal a retinal tear or detachment and needs urgent care.

Possible causes — see what each looks like

When to see an eye doctor

A few long-standing floaters you have had checked are usually fine. See an eye doctor urgently for a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a curtain over your vision.

Seek urgent care for:

Frequently asked questions

Are floaters serious?

Usually not — most are harmless age-related changes. But a sudden increase, or floaters with flashes or a shadow, can mean a retinal tear and needs urgent care.

Will my floaters go away?

Most floaters become less noticeable over weeks to months as the brain learns to ignore them, and they rarely need treatment.

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