Reviewed By YOUYH VISION
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Floaters can catch you off guard. You stare at the sky, a white wall, or a white paper and suddenly, a squiggly shadow floats across your field of vision.
In this blog, you will learn:
- What causes floaters in your vision
- How cataracts develop and what signs to look for
- If floaters mean you have cataracts
- When to see an eye doctor
Let’s clear up what is really going on behind those floaty shadows.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Floaters and cataracts might show up together, but they are not connected. If you see shadows, halos, or blurry patches, see an optometrist for an exam. Regular eye exams catch problems early and help protect your long-term vision.
Are Floaters a Sign of Cataracts?
The short answer: no.
Floaters and cataracts are two different eye conditions caused by changes in separate parts of the eye.
Eye floaters come from the vitreous, the clear gel-like fluid inside your eye.
Cataracts develop in the lens, which sits behind the iris (the colored part of your eye).
They may show up around the same time, especially as you age, but one does not cause the other.
What Causes Floaters?
Floaters form when the vitreous gel-like substance begins to shrink, clump, or pull away from the retina.
These clumps of gel cast shadows that you see as floating dots, lines, or web-like shapes. These changes may indicate a vitreous detachment, which is common but should be monitored.
Common causes of floaters:
- Aging (most common in people over 50)
- Nearsightedness (higher risk due to eye shape)
- Eye trauma or injury
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
- Eye surgeries or inflammation
Most floaters are harmless. But if you notice a sudden increase, flashes of light, or vision loss, see your eye doctor right away. These could signal a detached retina, retinal detachment, or another serious condition that threatens permanent vision loss.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts happen when the lens becomes cloudy, making your vision look blurry or dim. This is usually a slow, progressive change.
Look for these cataract symptoms:
- Blurry or foggy vision
- Glare or halos around lights
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colors look faded or yellowed
- Frequent prescription changes
- Double vision in one eye
Cataracts usually develop over decades, but they can affect younger people with medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a congenital cataract. Occasionally, a secondary cataract can form after cataract surgeries.
Cataracts Blur Vision — Floaters Drift Through It
Floaters are random, drifting dark specks, dark shapes, or threads in your vision. You usually notice them in bright environments.
Cataracts make everything look blurry, dim, or hazy, especially in low light or when driving at night.
Both reduce your quality of life, but they do so in very different ways. Cataracts affect the lens, while floaters involve the vitreous fluid.
Signs It’s Time for an Eye Exam
See an eye doctor if:
- You notice new or worsening floaters
- You see flashes of light
- You struggle with night vision or glare
- You notice a gradual blurring of everything you see
These could signal eye conditions like vitreous floaters, retinal detachment, or advancing cataract symptoms. An eye exam helps detect serious issues early.
You can have preexisting floaters before cataracts develop or notice floaters after cataract surgery. Either way, regular eye exams help monitor changes in your vision after cataract surgery or floaters from aging.
Book an Exam With Youth Vision Today
We accept Medicaid and provide compassionate, comprehensive eye care for kids, teens, and adults.
Schedule your eye vision exam at one of our locations:
- Denver Youth Vision, located at 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204, 303-825-2295
- Aurora Youth Vision, located at 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011, 303-343-3133
- Thornton Youth Vision, located at 9674 Washington Street, Thornton, CO 80229, 303-953-880
- Hampden Youth Vision, located at 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231, 720-866-9906
FAQs: Eye Floaters and Cataracts
Can stress or dehydration cause floaters?
Stress and dehydration do not directly cause floaters, but they can make you more aware of them, especially when you are tired or straining your eyes.
Do cataracts affect your peripheral vision?
Not usually. Cataracts mainly reduce central vision clarity. Loss of peripheral vision could be a sign of something more serious, like glaucoma or retinal issues.
Can floaters be removed?
Most floaters fade or become less noticeable. If they interfere with daily life, your eye doctor may recommend a surgical procedure like vitrectomy or a laser treatment. Each surgical option carries its own risks, so it is best to weigh treatment options carefully.
Are floaters worse after cataract surgery?
Sometimes. After surgery, light enters the eye more clearly, making preexisting floaters more noticeable. It does not mean something went wrong, it is just a clearer view of what was already there.
Is it normal to have both floaters and cataracts at the same time?
Yes. Many adults over 60 experience both. These may be age-related or linked to other risk factors. A full evaluation of your eye health will help determine next steps.
