Eye floaters are small, shadowy shapes that appear in your field of vision. They can look like dots, lines, or cobwebs and are caused by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid, leading to these floaters becoming more noticeable. Most floaters are harmless and do not require treatment. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a loss of peripheral vision, may indicate a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment, and should be evaluated by an eye care professional.