What are the floaters in the vitreous?

Floaters in the vitreous are small, shadowy shapes or spots that drift across a person's field of vision, resulting from tiny clumps of gel or cells within the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can shrink and pull away from the retina, causing these floaters to become more noticeable. While they are usually harmless, a sudden increase in floaters can signal a more serious condition, such as retinal detachment, and should prompt a visit to an eye care professional.