Floaters are frequently described as being spiderwebs or little bugs that patients see moving in their vision. There is a cavity filled with a vitreous gel in the back of the eye.  This gel is normally attached to the retina.  Frequently, this gel can detach from the retina and float around in the back of the eye.  Patients see this in their vision as floaters.  As the vitreous gel detaches, it can pull at the retina, and this tension causes flashing lights called photopsia.  If the gel pulls too hard, a retinal tear, hole or detachment can occur.  This is an ocular emergency.  Please call for an eye exam if you notice new floaters, flashes or a curtain effect in your peripheral vision.