Ocular ‘floaters’ are black or gray squiggles that drift across your vision when you’re staring off into the horizon. The symptoms may seem like dust or a lapse in concentration, but experts have provided guidance on whether to be concerned.

What exactly constitutes ‘floaters’?
WebMD dedicates a whole page to eye floaters, so it’s reasonable to assume they’re real.
We call them ‘floaters’ because they float around in your eyes and tend to drift away when you try to focus on them. They may resemble little bits of string, spiderwebs, rings, or dots, but they should not impair your overall vision.

MedEye Associates says seven out of ten people have seen them, so you’ve probably seen them.

What causes eye floaters?
Dermatologist Zilpah Sheikh, MD, examined WebMD’s article and found that the floaters are not just dust or dirt but rather microscopic flecks of collagen that are part of the vitreous, a gel-like material located in the back of your eye. Over time, the protein fibers that make up the vitreous weaken and clump together, casting shadows on your eye and resulting in floaters. These changes often occur in adults aged 50 to 75, but they can occur at any age. Nearsightedness or cataract surgery increases your chances of developing eye floaters.

Should I be concerned about my eye floaters?
While floaters should not impair your vision, they may be an indication of something more serious.
In rare situations, they may originate from the following conditions:
Eye illness.
Eye injury.
Diabetic retinopathy
Crystal-like deposits occur in the vitreous.
Eye Tumors
According to WebMD, floaters can potentially cause significant eye problems such as:
Detached retina
Torn retina.
Blood in your vitreous
An infection or autoimmune disease can cause inflammation of the vitreous or retina.
Eye Tumors

When should I visit the doctor?
Floaters may require a doctor’s attention in a variety of scenarios, including when they are new, have altered significantly, or feel more severe than before. You may also see a flash in your vision, which occurs when the vitreous separates from the retina. If you notice a flash, visit a doctor right away. If you have floaters along with additional symptoms, including blurriness in your side or front vision, a black shadow obscuring a part of your vision, or eye discomfort, you should see a doctor.

Can I remove eye floaters myself?
If the floaters are mild and not linked to other eye issues, you can adapt by following specialists’ advice. Attempt to move the floaters away from your vision by moving your eyes and gazing up and down; this changes the fluid in your eyes. A well-balanced diet, including vitamin A-rich foods, can help your eye health.
Take eye health supplements such as Vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc, but ask your doctor before starting any new ones. Do eye exercises, such as slowly moving your eyes in circles, to enhance blood circulation and lessen the number of floaters you see.

Quitting smoking can also increase blood circulation.
Reduce the frequency and length of time you spend looking at computer displays to prevent eye strain.
Use sunglasses and modest lighting to filter out bright lights.
Techniques like laser therapy or vitrectomy, which replace the vitreous with a salt solution or an oil or gas bubble, can also address mild eye floaters.