Floaters are small shapes that drift across your vision, often described as dots, lines, cobwebs, or squiggly threads. They are more common as we get older or in people who are short-sighted.

Floaters occur due to natural ageing changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye. As the gel breaks down, small particles form and cast shadows on the retina. This process is often associated with a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), where the gel separates from the retina. In most cases, floaters are harmless.

Rarely, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light can indicate a retinal tear, which requires urgent assessment. If this occurs, you should seek prompt eye examination.

Surgery to remove floaters (vitrectomy/floaterectomy) is considered in severe cases where symptoms significantly affect quality of life. The procedure is performed using keyhole surgery and most patients experience a significant improvement in visual clarity.