What are vitreous floaters?

Vitreous floaters are small clumps of collagen fibers within the vitreous gel that cast shadows on the retina, often appearing as floaters. The most common cause of vitreous floaters is posterior vitreous detachment, wherein the vitreous separates from attachments to the retina, becoming a mobile, semi-gelatinous structure within the back of the eye. Floaters are typically transient, and drift in and out of your central vision. An acute, showering of floaters can be a symptom of vitreous hemorrhage or retinal tear, and should be evaluated by a specialist to rule out these possibilities, which left untreated, can lead to retinal detachment or other complications. However, in most cases, vitreous floaters are chronic, and may become very bothersome. If vitreous floaters are affecting the visual acuity or are bothersome and impairing daily activities, vitrectomy surgery can be performed to remove the vitreous floaters.

Vitreous Floater Education

Other Conditions We Treat

Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related disease causing damage to the macula, resulting in distortion and central vision loss

Diabetic Retinopathy 
Damage to retina blood vessels due to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

Retinal Detachments
Detachment of retina due to retinal holes, horseshoe tears, lattice degeneration, or trauma

Macular Hole
Hole in macula due to scar tissue formation, resulting in central vision loss

Epiretinal Membrane
Scar tissue-related swelling and distortion of normal retinal contour resulting in distortion and vision loss

Retinal vein and arterial occlusions
Blockage or back-up of retinal blood flow causing retinal swelling and vision loss

Uveitis
Intraocular inflammation caused by infection, autoimmune, and systemic disease

Vitreous Floaters
Chronic floaters in vision due to posterior vitreous detachment and vitreous degeneration