Vitreous floaters, or eye floaters, are a common condition affecting many people. They often appear as small moving objects that appear when you look at something bright. They come in many different shapes, and don't normally interfere with your sight. Here are some examples of the form floaters can take.

What shapes are most common for floaters?

Black or grey dots are common, as are threadlike strands, cobwebs, ring shapes and squiggly eyes.They can be spots, flecks or lines that float around your vision. They may look like dust particles in your eye.

What causes eye floaters?

These are mostly age-related as the vitreous jelly inside your eyes becomes more liquid. When this happens small fibres can often clump together, casting shadows on your retina that appear as floaters in your vision.

What happens if I lose my peripheral vision or see flashes of lights?

If this occurs, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention as this could indicate retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, a retinal tear or a vitreous and retinal inflammation. These are serious eye disorders that require treatment.

What happens if my floaters become worse?

If this occurs, make sure you see a doctor as soon as you can, especially if the changes are sudden. Any vision loss or eye pain with floaters could indicate a more serious condition.It could reveal that the vitreous jelly is being pulled away from the retina, or that the retina is detaching from the back of the eye that contains nutrients and oxygen to keep it healthy.

Why are floaters yellow?

If you notice a yellow spot in your vision, it could well be a floater. However, to rule out anything more serious, it is important to get your eyes tested by an optometrist.