The jelly like substance inside our eye is known as the vitreous. The fibres that make up this jelly can begin to drift and cast a shadow on the retina. This shadow is the dark cob web like object we call a floater. Floaters that have been present for a long time are normally unimportant. However floaters should never be dismissed as harmless or imaginary. A careful examination of the vitreous and retina is indicated in order to identify the nature and origin of floaters and to decide on management if required.