Patient information
Vitreous floaters
Floaters are dots, strands or shadows that drift across the vision. They often arise from age-related change in the vitreous gel inside the eye.
Possible symptoms
- Dots, cobwebs or strands in the vision
- More noticeable shapes against a bright background
- Flashes when the vitreous pulls on the retina
- Occasionally a sudden shower of new floaters
Assessment
A dilated retinal examination checks for a retinal tear, bleeding or detachment, particularly when symptoms are new or sudden.
Treatment
Most longstanding floaters become less noticeable and need no treatment. Persistently disabling floaters require careful discussion of observation and possible surgery.
This page provides general information and does not replace an individual examination, diagnosis or treatment recommendation.