Reviewed By: Dr. Paul M. Griffey
Have you ever noticed small specks, threads, or cobweb-like shadows drifting across your field of vision? These are known as eye floaters, and while they’re usually harmless, they can be frustrating, especially when they interfere with your ability to read, drive, or simply enjoy clear sight.
Let’s review what causes floaters, how they’re related to other eye conditions like dry eye and cataracts, if laser eye surgery can help, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small clumps of a gel-like substance called vitreous that forms inside the eye. Over time, this vitreous gel begins to shrink and liquefy, pulling away from the retina—a process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). When this happens, fibers in the gel clump together and cast shadows on your retina. That’s what you see floating in your vision: spots, strings, or cobwebs.
This is a normal part of aging, especially common after age 50. However, floaters can also be caused by:
- Eye trauma
- Inflammation in the eye (uveitis)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Bleeding inside the eye
Learn more about retina problems.
Can Dry Eye Cause Floaters?
Not directly. Dry eye syndrome affects the surface of the eye and leads to irritation, redness, and blurred vision in one or both eyes. It doesn’t cause floaters, but symptoms of dry eye can make you more aware of them, especially when your eyes are tired or strained.
If you’re experiencing both dry eye symptoms and floaters, please have a comprehensive eye exam with a professional to rule out other conditions and get personalized treatment.
Can Cataract Surgery Cause Floaters?
Sometimes. Cataract surgery doesn’t cause floaters, but it can reveal existing floaters that were previously masked by your cloudy natural lens. Once that lens is replaced with a clear artificial one, floaters may suddenly become noticeable.
In rare cases, new floaters may appear after surgery due to changes in the vitreous or a posterior vitreous detachment.
Griffey Eye Care & Laser Center’s experienced ophthalmologists monitor your eye health closely before, during, and after surgery to protect your vision.
Can Laser Eye Surgery Fix Floaters?
In certain cases, yes—but it depends on the floater type and location. A procedure called laser vitreolysis uses a special laser to break up floaters in the vitreous, making them less noticeable. It’s typically used when floaters are large, persistent, and interfering with daily activities.
However, not all floaters can be treated this way, and the procedure isn’t available at all practices.
Griffey Eye Care does not currently offer laser floater removal; however, we can evaluate your floaters, monitor any changes, and help you determine the best next steps.
Are Floaters Ever an Emergency?
While most floaters are benign, sudden changes can signal a serious issue like a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate attention.
Call your eye doctor right away if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light in your vision
- A dark curtain or shadow across part of your field of view
- New floaters following eye trauma or surgery
Watch this informative podcast episode on retinal detachment from The American Society of Retina Specialists.
FAQ: Eye Floaters and Your Vision
1. Do eye floaters go away on their own?
Sometimes. Floaters often become less noticeable over time as your brain adapts. They rarely disappear entirely.
2. Are eye floaters a sign of something serious?
Not usually. But if they appear suddenly, or are accompanied by flashes or vision loss, it may be a sign of a retinal problem.
3. Can stress or anxiety cause floaters?
Not directly, but anxiety may make you more sensitive or hyper-aware of existing floaters.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Today
If floaters interfere with your vision or peace of mind, you don’t have to just live with them. At Griffey Eye Care & Laser Center, our team can help you understand the cause of your floaters and discuss the best path forward—monitoring, dry eye treatment, or laser floater ablation.
Call us at 1-888-873-9348 or schedule your appointment online at any of our locations in Chesapeake or Virginia Beach. We’re here to help you see clearly and confidently.
**Please note that the suggestions provided in this blog are for general informational purposes only and may not be suitable for your specific insurance plan and needs. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.**
