Anyone may see spots, specks, and lines floating freely across the eyes once in a while. Tilt your head or suddenly glance up and down and they may appear. They appear to be in front of the eye, but are actually inside. These "floaters" dart in and out of your field of vision in the fluid of the eyeball. They are simply stray cells or strands of tissue that float in the fluid casting shadows on the retina. The brain perceives them as being outside the eye.

While usually harmless, floaters can be annoying and interfere with clear vision. Age-related floaters appear gradually and are common. There is no effective treatment for them although new glasses sometimes help to focus around them.

In rare instances, floaters can be a warning sign that your retina has, or is about to, come loose. An untreated retinal tear can lead to a detached retina and blindness. Symptoms of a detached retina include:
* Flashing lights when the eyes are closed.
* Sudden onset of floaters or a rapid increase in them.
* Blurry vision.
* A shade coming over your visual field.

Contact your eye doctor without delay or have someone take you to a hospital emergency room at once if you have these symptoms.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go