However, it most frequently appears in middle-aged and older individuals. A hard solid blow in to the eye may detach the retina as well. Most retinal detachments are caused by the presence of one or more small holes or tears in the retina. Normal aging can sometimes cause the retina to thin and detoriorate and sometimes tear. More often, shrinkage of the vitreous body, the clear gel-like substance which fills the center of the eye, is responsible for retinal tears.
Many people complain about black spots, specks or cobwebs floating in their vision.
This is more common the older we get. With age or injury, condensation material normally forms in the vitreous. These condensed fibrils are usually white, but they look grey or black to us because we are seeing their shadow on our retina. Floaters may appear, disappear, be stationary, dart around and change size. Although most floaters are innocuous, cause no problem and are not associated with eye disease, there is a certain situation you should be aware of.