Floaters are tiny clumps of collapsed collagen within the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid within the eye. These floaters are actually within the eye, not in front of the eye as they appear. Floaters take the shape of cobwebs, wavy lines and distorted circles. As we get older, the vitreous collapses in on itself separating from the back of the eye, the retina. The retina is neural tissue that lines the back of the eye and is simply an extension of the brain. As the vitreous shears off the retina, it begins to develop a posterior vitreousdetachment (not to be confused with a retinal detachment). This process usually is accompanied by a prominent floater, which may remain within vision. The appearance of new floaters can be alarming and a visit to an eye doctor is recommended, especially if you are nearsighted, over the age of 40 years, or have had inflammation or surgery in the eye. As the vitreous separates from the retina, a small amount of bleeding may result or a retinal tear, which can lead to a retinal detachment. Symptoms of a retinal tear or retinal detachment are the presence of new floaters, flashing lights, or a dark curtain moving across the visual field. Flashing lights stem from vitreous traction on the retina. As the vitreous pulls on the retina, the retina is stimulated with "flashes of light". Flashing lights do not always mean a retinal tear/detachment is present but warrants investigation by an eye doctor. Several methods are utilized to repair a retinal tear without a retinal detachment. These include cryotherapy (freezing) or laser placement, which all can be performed in the office. In order to repair a retinal detachment, most procedures require an outpatient visit to the hospital. Methods include a scleral buckle (a flexible band placed around the eye), pneumatic retinopexy (gas bubble injected into the eye to seal the retinal hole and attach the retina with later cryotherapy or laser treatment), or vitrectomy (surgical removal of the vitreous). Occasionally gas is placed in to the eye, to replace the vitreous gel. If so, flying in an airplane or travel to high altitudes is NOT recommended until clearance of the gas. Vision may take months or a year to improve and may never be the same after any retinal insult.