Just like the lens of the eye, the gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye, known as the vitreous humour, can undergo changes over time. These changes can result in the appearance of floaters, which are small specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your field of vision. They are often harmless, especially if they appear gradually over time. However, a sudden increase in floaters — especially if you also see flashes of light, could be a sign of something more serious, like a retinal tear or detachment.
In some cases, many floaters can also point to conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
To tell harmless floaters from urgent problems, an examination of the back of your eye (the posterior pole) is required, usually with special imaging or dilation.
