Sometimes, against a uniform, bright background such as a clear sky or a blank computer screen, you might see things floating across your field of vision. What are these moving objects, and how are you seeing them? Michael Mauser explains the visual phenomenon that is floaters.



Eye floaters are called muscae volitantes, Latin for “hovering flies". Floaters are visible because of the shadows they cast on the retina.

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-are-those-floaty-things-in-your-eye-michael-mauser

Related reading:

Your Eyes: Understanding Flashes and Floaters - Cleveland Clinic http://buff.ly/1zNgIr8