When you are staring at the sky and then accidentally notice a black spot moving across your eye; that would be what we call a floater.

Floaters are small particles of debris in the anterior chamber of the eye; which appear when you focus your vision on a something that have bright or white background. Flashes usually appear with floaters; it look like a camera flash and can be noticed when you close your eyes.

Causes of eye floaters & flashes

1. Posterior vitreous detachment: it occurs in elderly (usually in the sixth decade of age).
2. Retinal detachment or retinal tear: it may develop as a result of posterior vitreous detachment. Also myopia or eye trauma may cause retinal detachment.
3. Bleeding from blood capillaries supplying the retinal tissue: retinal hemorrhage is very common in diabetic patients. Usually small hemorrhagic spots fade spontaneously, while larger persistent ones may require a surgery.
4. Fungal infections and inflammation, such as uveitis.
5. Ocular tumors (very rare).

Important tips to avoid (as possible) eye floaters and flashes

• Eat healthy balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals; especially iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E.
• Avoid eye exposure to nasty ultraviolet rays by wearing protective sunglasses.
• Quit smoking.