Floaters After Cataract Surgery: What's Normal and When to Worry

When you see floaters after cataract surgery, small specks, threads, or cobwebs drifting across your vision. Also known as eye floaters, they happen when the gel-like vitreous, the clear substance filling the back of your eye starts to shrink and pull away from the retina. This is called vitreous detachment, a natural aging process that often speeds up after cataract surgery. It’s not dangerous on its own—but it can signal something serious if it comes with flashes or sudden vision loss.

Most people notice floaters within days or weeks after surgery. That’s because the procedure removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one. Suddenly, your vision is sharper, and tiny particles in the vitreous that were once hidden become obvious. It’s like cleaning a foggy window—you finally see the dust that was always there. About 50% of patients report floaters after cataract surgery, and for most, they fade over time. But if you suddenly see a shower of new floaters, or if they’re accompanied by bright flashes of light, it could mean the vitreous is tugging on the retina. That’s a red flag for a retinal tear or detachment, which needs treatment within hours.

It’s also worth knowing that not all floaters are the same. Some are harmless clumps of protein, while others come from bleeding or inflammation inside the eye. If you had diabetes or high blood pressure before surgery, your risk for complications goes up. So does if you’re nearsighted or had a complicated surgery. Don’t ignore changes. Keep track: Are the floaters getting worse? Are they blocking your vision? Do they come with blurred spots or a curtain over your eye? These aren’t normal. Your eye doctor can check with a simple exam—no needles, no pain, just a light and a lens.

There’s no quick fix for floaters unless they’re caused by something treatable, like swelling or bleeding. Most people learn to live with them. Your brain eventually ignores them, like background noise. But if they’re really bothering you, there are options—though they’re rare and risky. Surgery to remove the vitreous (vitrectomy) is usually saved for extreme cases. For now, focus on what you can control: rest, avoid heavy lifting, and protect your eyes from bright light. And if anything feels off, call your doctor. Better safe than sorry.