People say they look like cells, squiggles, amoebas, dots or cobwebs, and
the second you try to focus on them, they dart away. They’re called
floaters, and they move with your eye, which is why you can’t seem to
get a good look at them. Frustrating and strange, yes. But harmful?
Usually no.
These small blobs are made up of vitreous, which is the gel-like
material in the back of the eye. When you see them, you’re actually
seeing the shadows of them cast against your retina.
If you’re nearsighted, you’re more likely to experience them. Aging eyes
also seem to create more floaters, and they are more frequent after eye
surgery or any kind of inflammation. People with diabetes are more
prone to having floaters.
They are typically of no urgent concern if you have
experienced them consistently and without pain.
If you experience an increase of floaters, or sudden
blurred or loss of vision, seek medical attention
immediately to rule our retinal tears, detachment
or other serious conditions.
