Floaters Shadow Flying in the Eye Is Dangerous or Not? This is What Experts Say

Illustration of floaters. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Have you ever seen a small shadow like a dot or thread floating in your eyes? This condition often occurs suddenly and is known as floaters.

Floaters are shadows that appear to float and float in the field of view. Eye specialist at Eka Hospital Permata Hijau, dr. Dearaini, Sp.M, said that floaters can be caused by disorders in the vitreous or gel benting that exists between the front and back of the eye.

To the normal eye, light will enter through the lens, cornea, and vitreous, heading for the retina located at the back of the eye. Disorders in the vitreous that cause floating shadows to appear in the eye's view are called floaters.

"Floaters can be caused by various conditions such as age, bleeding in the eye, inflammation in the back, retinal tears, eye tumors and surgery or procedures on the eye," said Dr. Dearaini, during a media meeting in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The shape and intensity of floaters that occur in each person can be different. However, in general it looks like small black or gray dots, lines, threads, or moving dots when the eyes are moved and it is difficult to focus.

In most cases, floaters are actually normal and are becoming more common due to the aging process. However, regular eye exams are still necessary, especially if floaters are experienced in the long term.

"In many cases, floaters in the eyes are normal and common as the aging process progresses. Even so, it is important to have regular eye exams, especially if you have floaters in the long term. Chronic floaters are usually harmless," he explained.

It is also worth noting that there are conditions for floaters that must be watched out for. Such as their sudden appearance in large numbers, accompanied by flashes of light, vision feels like a black curtain is closed, until vision suddenly decreases.

If you experience these symptoms, immediately consult an ophthalmologist. The reason is, this condition can indicate a tear or detachment of the retina that requires immediate action so that vision does not disappear permanently.