Can artificial tears cause eye floaters?

Floaters are lumps in the vitreous (the gel like filling of the eye).  They can be indicative of a serious eye problem like bleeding in the eye and retinal tears.  Because of this, patients who notice the onset of new floaters should see an eye doctor promptly to evaluate.  Eye drops stay on the surface of the eye and cannot cause floaters.

You can't overuse artificial tears so you are okay on that front. New floaters can be a natural occurrence, something that you are just noticing or a sign of retinal problems like a hole or detachment. Since you had a recent surgery, I suggest seeing your doctor. 

No, artificial tears do not cause floaters. Artificial tears go on the surface of the eye and floaters are inside the eye usually in the vitreous cavity near the back of the eye. Floaters are caused by either condensation of the vitreous gel, tissue, or cells floating in the vitreous cavity. New floaters in the eye are often benign but they can signal other problems in the eye like inflammation or even a retinal detachment. I would recommend going to see an eye doctor and getting a dilated eye exam hopefully within a week and if you notice any part of your vision missing or that your vision has blurred that you see an eye doctor immediately.