They are often caused by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye.
These clumps cast shadows on the retina, leading to the perception of floaters.
The vitreous gel undergoes changes as you age, becoming more liquid and developing small pockets.
Additionally, fibers within the vitreous may clump together, casting shadows on the retina when light enters the eye.
While floaters are a common part of aging, they can also be caused by other factors such as inflammation in the eye, bleeding, or retinal tears.
Although floaters are usually harmless, sudden onset of a significant number of floaters or flashes of light could indicate a more serious issue, such as a retinal tear or detachment.