# Attention to Floaters in Front of the Eyes!

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/retina/attention-to-fly-flies-in-front-of-the-eyes

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-11

> **Summary:** Op. Dr. Nail Sönmez, Chief Physician of Kudret Eye İstanbul, explains that floaters in front of the eyes can come from harmless age-related changes in the vitreous or be an early sign of retinal tears, detachment and other diseases that can cause permanent vision loss. Anyone with floaters, flashes or a curtain in their vision should have a detailed retinal examination promptly.

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## Causes of Floaters
- Natural age-related changes in the vitreous, the fluid between the lens and the retina
- Retinal tear
- Uveitis and eye inflammation
- Diabetes and high blood pressure

## Retinal Tears and Detachment
Through retinal tears and holes, vitreous fluid enters and separates the retina from the eye wall to which it is attached (retinal detachment). The detached layer loses its nourishment, cells can die and vision can be lost completely and permanently.
- Seek a specialist immediately for floaters, flashes of light, or grey or black curtains in the eye.
- **Tear without detachment:** laser treatment to prevent the tear from becoming a detachment.
- **Retinal detachment:** surgery is required.

## Who Is at Risk of Retinal Detachment?
- Retinal tears and holes are the biggest factor; risk rises with age, more common in middle age and older but possible at any age.
- High myopia, family history of similar diseases, diabetes.
- Detachment in one eye makes it highly likely in the other eye.
- Sudden blows to the head, especially in children and young people.
- Rarely pregnancy: high blood pressure in pregnancy can cause detachment. A detailed eye examination is advised at the start of pregnancy, or before it for those planning to become mothers.

## Can Floaters Be Harmless?
Common especially in patients over the age of 50: with age, collagen fibres in the vitreous clump together and cast shadows on the retina, most noticeable against a light-coloured background. If they do not interfere with vision, they are generally considered harmless. In very rare cases they are so frequent and dense that seeing becomes difficult; then, if the physician deems it appropriate, laser or surgical treatment clears the particles. Because floaters can also have serious causes, a detailed retinal examination is needed as soon as they appear.