Answers to Your Questions About Spots & Floaters

Spots (often called floaters) are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the fluid inside the eye that becomes noticeable when they move within the line of sight. They may also appear with flashes of light.

Almost everyone sees a few sports at one time or another. They can occur more frequently and become more noticeable as you grow older. If you notice a sudden change in the number or size of the spots, you should contact your doctor of optometry right away for an examination to be sure they are not the result of a more serious problem.

Spots are caused when small flecks of protein and other matter become trapped on the inner part of your eye that is filled with a clear, jelly-like fluid known as the vitreous. This occurs during the formation of the eye before birth, and remains in the vitreous body. Spots and floaters may also be caused by the age-related deterioration of the eye fluid or its surrounding parts, or by certain injuries or eye diseases.

Spots are generally translucent specks of various shapes and sizes. They may also appear as threadlike strands or cobwebs within the eye. Since they are within the eye, they move as the eye moves and often seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly.