Although floaters themselves aren't dangerous, in rare cases they can be a symptom of a sight-threatening condition. As the vitreous shrinks, it can tug on the retina at the back of the eye and cause a retinal tear or detachment – where the retina comes away from the
Are floaters harmful?
A: Eye floaters are common and usually harmless. The National Eye Institute (NEI) describes them as cobwebs, spots, or strands that float around in your field of vision. They occur when the gel-like, vitreous substance that fills the eye begins to shrink and become stringy, casting a shadow onto the retina.
When should I worry about eye floaters?
It's important to remember that as the vitreous shrinks over time, it can create floaters. If you suddenly have more floaters than normal or are experiencing flashes (bursts of light across your field of vision), you should reach out to your eye care provider right away.
