Last updated on
24 April 2026
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Eye floaters are a common visual complaint in Singapore. While most are harmless, some may indicate an underlying ocular condition.
It is important to understand when these specks are simply a minor nuisance and when they may signal a need for urgent medical attention. This article explains the common causes, how to get the conditions diagnosed, and available treatment options.
Eye floaters are small specks, threads, or shadows that appear to drift across your field of vision. They are not on the surface of the eye but are shadows cast on the retina by the vitreous gel when it undergoes degeneration.
Eye floaters are most noticeable when you look at a plain and bright background. Because they are suspended within the vitreous gel, they often seem to “move away” when you try to look at them directly.
The primary cause of eye floaters is an age-related change in the vitreous gel, or the jelly-like substance that fills the back of the eye.
As we age, the vitreous gel gradually liquefies and shrinks in a process known as vitreous degeneration or syneresis. This can cause the vitreous gel to clump together and cast the shadows we see as floaters.
Here are some other causes or risk factors for floaters:
Eye floaters are typically harmless and do not require urgent medical attention. However, you may need to see a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms with the floaters:
These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment, both of which are serious conditions that require urgent medical assessment and possible immediate treatment.
To diagnose the cause of your eye floaters, a comprehensive dilated eye examination will be required. This requires eyedrops to dilate the pupil to allow the eye specialist to clearly see your vitreous and retina.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT), wide field photography or B-scan ultrasound imaging may also be used to evaluate the retina and rule out underlying pathology.
If your floaters are confirmed to be benign (not associated with retinal tears or other eye disease), treatment is often unnecessary.
However, for those whose quality of life is significantly reduced by the floaters, some treatment options may be available.
Simple observation is often a viable solution for benign eye floaters.
Through a process known as neuroadaptation, the brain gradually becomes less aware of the floaters over time.
Over several months, the brain can grow accustomed enough to the floaters to do this until they become barely noticeable.
Your eye specialist may still recommend periodic follow-up appointments to ensure there are no changes in the vitreous or retina. The goal is to ensure that as you age, the vitreous gel continues to settle without affecting your retina or causing more vision problems.
Laser vitreolysis is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to break up selected large floaters into smaller, less noticeable fragments. More accurately, it uses the laser to break up the clumps of cells that are responsible for casting the shadows you perceive as floaters.
This procedure is suitable only for selected cases, however. It is not effective for all types of floaters, so a doctor must assess you for eligibility first.
Like any medical procedure, it carries potential risks and limitations. For example, it is only useful against larger or more distinct floaters. It is generally considered only when the floater is sufficiently distant from the retina and lens, as close proximity may increase the risk of complications.
It is also not guaranteed to eliminate floaters entirely. In some cases, some perceivable floaters remain even after the procedure.
Vitrectomy involves surgically removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a clear saline solution.
While vitrectomy can be highly effective in eliminating floaters, it is a more invasive retina eye surgery and carries risks such as retinal detachment, cataract formation, infection, or bleeding. This means that it is generally not employed as a first-line treatment for floaters alone. However, it is necessary when there is other pathology present such as retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage.
In some cases where floaters are severe, persistent, and vision-obstructing, potential treatment can be discussed with your ophthalmologists in order to determine what is the most beneficial for you.
If you’re concerned about new floaters or changes in your vision, you can choose to take action now. Early evaluation and appropriate management are important for maintaining long-term eye health.
You can book an appointment for a comprehensive eye assessment with our own specialists at ERS Suntec City to get started. We can provide a personal evaluation to try and help you find your next steps for treatment.
