Eye floaters are common and usually harmless, appearing as tiny spots, specks, flecks, and cobwebs that drift aimlessly around in your field of vision. However, if you notice an excessive number of floaters and flashes, it’s best to get a comprehensive eye exam. Floaters and spots are caused by clumps or specks of undissolved vitreous gel material floating in the dissolved gel-like fluid in the back of the eye, casting shadows on the retina when light enters the eye. These specks are particularly noticeable when gazing at a clear or overcast sky or a computer screen with a white or light-colored background. Floaters and spots move when your eye and the vitreous gel inside the eye move, creating the impression that they are “drifting.”