**Eye floaters** are tiny shapes—like squiggly lines, specks, or cobwebs—that drift across your vision. They often appear when looking at bright surfaces, such as a white wall or the sky. “These shapes move as your eyes move and can seem to dart away when you try to focus on them.”

Most floaters are harmless. They result from age-related changes in the eye’s **vitreous**, a gel-like substance. Over time, the vitreous becomes more liquid, and fibers within it clump together. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, which appear as floaters.

Experts say floaters are usually “not a concern.” However, in some cases, they can signal serious issues such as **eye infections**, **uveitis** (eye inflammation), or **retinal tears or detachment**.

If you suddenly notice a large increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a loss of peripheral vision, seek medical help immediately, as these could be signs of retinal detachment.

Understanding floaters helps reduce worry. While most are harmless signs of aging, knowing when to get checked protects your vision.