Floaters can also occur in connection with eye inflammation, bleeding inside the eye, eye injury, or after certain eye procedures.
Why Are They More Noticeable Against a White Wall?
You may notice floaters much more clearly when looking at something bright and uniform, such as a white ceiling or blue sky.
That’s because the shadows inside the eye become easier to see against a bright background.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that your floaters have suddenly become worse.
Sometimes you’re simply seeing them more clearly.
When Are Eye Floaters Usually Harmless?
If you’ve had the same small number of floaters for a long time, they’re not increasing, and your vision hasn’t changed, they are often not a serious problem.
Over time, your brain may also become better at ignoring them, making them less noticeable.
That doesn’t mean every new floater should be dismissed, however.
The Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
The most important thing is to recognize a sudden change.
You should seek urgent eye-care assessment if you suddenly develop:
- A large number of new floaters
- A sudden “shower” of floaters
- Flashes of light
- A dark curtain or shadow across part of your vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Floaters after an eye injury or surgery
These symptoms can sometimes indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment, conditions that can threaten vision if treatment is delayed.
