A: The vitreous consists of a gel-like substance that maintains the eye’s round shape and makes up most of the eye’s interior. Aging causes the vitreous to thicken and shrink, sometimes causing clumps to form. These clumps cast shadows onto the retina, and it is these shadows that cause the “floaters” to appear in your field of vision.

Usually, floaters are harmless; however, if they become more frequent and are accompanied by eye flashes, contact Dr. Conlon immediately, as this may be a sign of impending retinal detachment.