Floaters are seen as black particles in the visual field, typically described by patients as being like ‘flying insects’ or ‘cobwebs’ or ‘mosquitoes’ or ‘tufts of hair’ (depending on their imagination). Floaters are because of particles moving in the jelly of the eye called vitreous. Due to ageing process, the vitreous liquefies in the center hence gets separated from the retina. This condition is called posterior vitreous detachment. This may gives rise to sensation of floaters or flashes in elderly patients.

Floaters are also commonly seen in short-sighted (myopic) people with large eyes. In some cases it floaters can signify serious eye disease like formation of retinal breaks or appearance of hemorrhage in the vitreous cavity. If the number of floaters suddenly increase or their shape alters significantly or floaters present along with flashes, then you need to consult your eye surgeon immediately.