What causes floaters to form?

Floaters are small specks, dots, or cobweb-like shapes that seem to float across your field of vision. They are caused by tiny clusters of cells or material that become suspended in the clear, jelly-like substance called vitreous humor that fills the interior of the eye.

As you age, the vitreous humor can become more liquid and develop small pockets of fluid. Sometimes, the collagen fibers within the vitreous humor can clump together, casting a shadow on the retina and causing floaters to appear. Other causes of floaters can include:

Eye injuries

Eye diseases or infections

Diabetic retinopathy

Retinal tears or detachments

Age-related macular degeneration