Ocular floaters are small, shadowy shapes that appear in a person's field of vision. They are caused by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid, leading to these floaters becoming more noticeable. Floaters can take various forms, such as dots, lines, or cobweb-like structures. While they are usually harmless and a common occurrence, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light may indicate a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment, and should be evaluated by an eye care professional.