Then you see a large floater. This process is called vitreous detachment. It is most common after age 55. They occur when part of the retina is tugged or torn by the separating vitreous. If a tear forms, it can lead to a retinal detachment.
Retinal detachment can lead to severe loss of vision.
You see spots that look like little bugs, threads, squiggles, or cobwebs. The spots usually shift away from your focus when you try to look at them and are most noticeable in bright light. Sometimes you also see flashing lights. Your health care provider will put eyedrops in your eyes to dilate them. Then he or she will examine the inside of your eyes using a lighted tool called an ophthalmoscope.