Q. What are floaters and why do they appear after surgery?

Floaters are small clumps of collagen fibers or cells casting shadows on the retina, seen as specks, threads, or cobwebs drifting across your vision. After eye surgery, floaters can appear for two main reasons: temporary inflammation in the eye, or a posterior vitreous detachment where the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina, an event that cataract surgery can accelerate.

Q. What are the symptoms of normal versus concerning floaters?

• Normal: a few faint specks that fade over days to weeks
• Normal: floaters that are more noticeable against bright backgrounds, like a white wall or sky
• Concerning: a sudden shower of many new floaters
• Concerning: flashes of light, especially in dim lighting
• Concerning: a shadow or curtain across part of your vision

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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