What are floaters?

Floaters (benign vitreous floaters) are little "cobwebs" or specks that float about in your field of vision. They can appear as shapes that can look like spots, thread-like strands, or squiggly lines. Floaters often seem more apparent when looking at a brightly illuminated solid background, such as white paper or a blue sky.They move as your eyes move and often seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. They do not precisely follow your eye movements, and usually drift when your eyes stop moving.

Most people have benign floaters and learn to ignore them; however, a sudden change in floaters (typically in one eye) can signal either a vitreous or retinal detachment and should be evaluated as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms.

**Anyone who experiences a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light should seek an evaluation of their symptoms by an eye care professional as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. You may call our office (703.369.3937) to schedule a dilated examination.