Answer

Are eye floaters dangerous?

Medically reviewed by · Last reviewed 2026-07-06 · How review works

Get same-day care if you notice

  • A sudden increase in floaters — like a shower or swarm of new spots
  • New or repeated flashes of light, especially in one eye
  • A dark shadow or curtain spreading across your vision
  • Any sudden drop in vision

What floaters are

Floaters are small shapes — spots, threads or cobwebs — that drift across your vision, most noticeable against bright, plain backgrounds. They are shadows cast on the retina by tiny clumps in the clear gel that fills the eye. They become more common with age and in people who are short-sighted.

Why they are usually harmless

Long-standing floaters that stay stable are a normal part of ageing for most eyes. The usual cause is the gel gently separating from the retina (posterior vitreous detachment), which is common after middle age and does not itself threaten sight. The brain also learns to ignore stable floaters over time.

When floaters become dangerous

The danger is not the floater itself but a sudden change. As the gel pulls away it can occasionally tear the retina, and a tear can progress to a retinal detachment. A sudden shower of floaters, new flashes, or a shadow over vision are the warning patterns — and they are why timing, not the floaters alone, decides the urgency.

What happens if you need a check

The examiner looks at the back of your eye, usually with dilating drops, to make sure the retina is intact. The examination is painless, and most people are reassured the same visit. If a tear is found, treatment can usually seal it before the retina detaches.

Frequently asked questions

Do floaters ever go away?

Long-standing floaters often become less noticeable as the brain learns to ignore them, and some settle lower in the eye. They rarely disappear completely, but stable floaters are usually nothing to worry about.

Are floaters normal at my age?

Floaters become more common from middle age onwards and in people who are short-sighted. A gradual increase over years is typical; a sudden increase over hours or days is not and needs same-day assessment.

Can I ignore one or two floaters?

One or two stable floaters that have been there for months are usually harmless. Mention them at your next eye test, but seek same-day care if they suddenly multiply or come with flashes or a shadow.

What will the optometrist do?

They will examine the back of your eye, usually with dilating drops, to check the retina for tears or detachment. The examination is painless and most people are reassured the same visit.

Trusted sources

This page reflects established clinical guidance. For further reading, consult these authoritative eye-health organisations: