Floaters , also known as vitreous floaters , are a very common visual disturbance that many people describe as spots, threads, cobwebs, or specks that appear to move within the field of vision. Although benign in most cases, they can also be a sign of more serious problems in the vitreous humor or retina that require immediate ophthalmological evaluation.
At Clínica Nivaria , we specialize in the diagnosis and monitoring of floaters, differentiating physiological cases from those that may indicate a more serious eye disease , such as retinal detachment.
What are floaters?
Floaters are specks that float within the vitreous humor , the clear gel that fills the inside of the eyeball. These specks cast a shadow on the retina, creating the visual perception of moving spots.
The most common characteristics are:
- Irregular shapes: dots, threads, bubbles, spider webs
- Movement within the field of vision, especially when looking at light backgrounds (sky, white screen, walls)
- They can move when you move your eyes and "escape" when you try to focus on them directly
- In some cases they are accompanied by flashes of light or "lightning flashes" (photopsias)
Why do floaters appear?
Floaters are related to changes in the vitreous humor , which loses transparency with age. As we age, the vitreous humor:
- It becomes more liquid.
- It retracts or partially separates from the retina
- It forms collagen condensations , which generate the shadows we perceive as "flies".
This process is known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and usually occurs naturally after age 50. However, in some cases it can cause complications if the vitreous humor pulls on or tears the retina.
Who is most at risk of developing floaters?
Floaters are common in:
- People over 50 years old
- High nearsightedness
- Patients who have undergone cataract surgery or previous eye surgery
- People with a history of eye trauma
- Diabetics , especially if retinopathy is present
- Cases of uveitis or intraocular inflammation
Although many people live with these spots without major problems, it is essential to monitor their evolution and associated symptoms .
When are they normal and when should we worry?
✅ Common and benign cases
- They appear gradually
- They don't change in size or quantity suddenly.
- They are not associated with visual loss or flashes of light.
- The patient gets used to it over time
- They do not affect central visual acuity
⚠️ Warning signs
You should consult an ophthalmologist immediately if floaters occur along with:
- Sudden appearance of many spots or a sudden increase in number
- Flashes of light (photopsias) , similar to lightning
- Shadow or “dark curtain” advancing from the sides of the field of vision
- Sudden partial or total loss of vision
- Recent eye trauma
These symptoms may be a sign of:
- Retinal tear or rupture
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Retinal detachment , an ophthalmological emergency that requires surgery to prevent irreversible vision loss
How are floaters diagnosed?
At Clínica Nivaria , we perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the origin and severity of floaters. The study includes:
1. Detailed medical history
- When did the stains start?
- Have they intensified or changed?
- Do they present with flashing lights or loss of vision?
- Is there a history of surgery, myopia, or trauma?
2. Complete eye examination
✔️ Visual acuity check
To detect if floaters are affecting central vision.
✔️ Slit-lamp examination
It allows observation of the vitreous humor and the anterior chamber of the eye.
✔️ Fundus examination with pupillary dilation
It is essential for examining the retina, detecting tears, hemorrhages, or signs of detachment.
✔️ OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
High-resolution technique for analyzing the vitreoretinal interface.
✔️ Ocular ultrasound (if the fundus is not visible)
Useful in cases with vitreous hemorrhage or opaque media.
What is the treatment for floaters?
🔹 In mild or benign cases
No specific treatment is required. The patient gets used to it over time, and the spots may become less visible as the vitreous humor stabilizes.
Recommendations:
- Avoid looking at white or very bright backgrounds so as not to perceive the spots so annoyingly.
- Wear sunglasses with a filter to improve visual comfort
- Control risk factors such as myopia or dry eye
- Regular eye exams to ensure there is no pathological progression
🔹 In severe or symptomatic cases
When floaters are very dense, numerous, or significantly affect visual quality of life, there are options such as:
✔️ Pars plana vitrectomy
A surgical procedure in which the vitreous humor containing the opacities is removed. It is an option in selected cases and only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
- It is performed under local or general anesthesia.
- Post-operative follow-up is required.
- Risks: retinal detachment, cataracts, infection
✔️ YAG laser vitreolysis (not available at all centers)
- It uses a laser to fragment the opacities of the vitreous humor.
- Its effectiveness varies
- It is not suitable for all types of floaters.
At Clínica Nivaria we carefully evaluate each case before recommending a surgical procedure.
Can floaters be prevented?
It's not possible to completely prevent its occurrence, as vitreous aging is a natural process. However, there are some recommendations that can reduce the risk of complications:
- Get regular eye exams , especially if you are over 50 or nearsighted.
- Avoid blows to the eyes or head .
- It controls systemic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension .
- Consult a doctor immediately if you notice any sudden visual changes .
- Do not ignore new glimmers or shadows , even if they are momentary.
What's it like to live with floaters?
Many people learn to live with them . Over time, the brain adapts and stops perceiving them as frequently. However, if they are dense or numerous, they can interfere with:
- prolonged reading
- Screen usage
- Driving, especially in bright light
In these cases, appropriate medical follow-up allows for the assessment of therapeutic options based on the visual impairment and the patient's characteristics.
Why choose Clínica Nivaria?
At Clínica Nivaria , located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we offer an expert and up-to-date approach to managing symptoms such as floaters. Our care is based on:
- Ophthalmologists specializing in retina and vitreous.
- Advanced diagnostic technology: OCT, digital fundus examination, ocular ultrasound.
- Individualized follow-up in cases of vitreous or retinal detachment.
- Surgical referral in selected cases.
- Personalized, clear, and tailored care for each patient.
Floaters are a very common visual disturbance, especially after the age of 50. In most cases they are harmless, but their sudden appearance, a sudden increase in spots, flashes of light, or loss of vision should prompt an urgent medical consultation .
At Clínica Nivaria , we accurately assess your case, answer your questions, and offer personalized follow-up to protect your visual health.
Do you notice floaters in your field of vision?
📍 We look forward to seeing you in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
🌐 Request an appointment online.
🕒 Specialized care for retina, vitreous and new visual symptoms.
Nivaria Clinic: your vision, in expert hands.
