What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small spots or shapes that drift across your vision, appearing like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs. They are common and usually harmless, affecting about seven in ten people.
What Causes Them?
Floaters occur due to age-related changes in the eye’s vitreous, a gel-like substance. As you age, the protein fibers in the vitreous shrink and clump together, casting shadows on the retina, which causes the floaters you see.
When to Seek Help
Floaters are typically not concerning unless they appear suddenly, increase in number, or are accompanied by flashes, blurred vision, or pain. These could signal retinal detachment or other serious eye issues that need immediate attention.
Managing Floaters
Most floaters fade with time. If they are bothersome, try moving your eyes up and down. A diet rich in omega-3, zinc, and Vitamin A can also support eye health.
