The short answer
Floaters you have had for a long time, small dots or threads drifting across your sight, are usually harmless. A sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain spreading across your vision can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment, and needs an eye specialist the same day. Treated quickly, a tear can often be sealed with laser before it becomes a detachment.
See a verified eye specialistMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Why floaters happen
The inside of the eye is filled with a clear gel. With age, and earlier in short-sighted people, the gel becomes more watery and clumps, casting shadows on the retina. Eventually it often peels away from the retina, which can cause a burst of new floaters and some flashes. Usually this happens without harm, but sometimes the gel pulls a tear in the retina.
Go to an eye emergency service the same day if
Do not wait to see if it settles, and do not wait for a routine appointment. If you cannot reach an eye specialist, go to the nearest emergency department and say you may have a retinal detachment.
- You suddenly have many new floaters, or a cloud or shower of them
- You see flashes of light, especially at the edge of your vision
- A dark shadow or curtain moves across part of your vision
- Your sight suddenly becomes blurred
- Any of these after an eye injury or eye surgery
Who is at higher risk
- Short-sighted people, especially with high prescriptions
- People who have had cataract surgery
- A previous retinal tear or detachment, in either eye
- A family history of retinal detachment
- An eye injury
What the eye specialist will do
Your pupils are dilated and the whole retina is examined. If there is a tear, laser or freezing treatment can often seal it in clinic. If the retina has detached, surgery is needed, usually urgently. If nothing is found, you may be asked to come back for a second check and told which changes should bring you back sooner.
What it costs on Mezo
One fixed price, paid online.
Common questions
I have had floaters for years. Should I worry?
Long-standing floaters that have not changed are usually harmless. A sudden change is what matters.
Can floaters be removed?
Most people get used to them. Surgery to remove floaters exists but carries risks and is only considered for severe, disabling floaters.
Do eye drops help floaters?
No. Drops do not remove floaters or treat a retinal tear.
Can I book an urgent eye check on Mezo?
For sudden symptoms, go to an eye emergency service or emergency department now. For a routine retinal check, you can book a verified eye specialist on Mezo.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Floaters and flashes in the eyes. NHS. Patient information.
- Flashes of light and floaters. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Patient information.
- Detached retina (retinal detachment). NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 23 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.