Floaters may appear in your vision as spots of varying shapes, most commonly a bug or a hair. Floaters are caused when the gel that fills the inner eye liquefies with time. Eventually, the gel will shrink and separate from the rest of the eye causing a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). As the vitreous separates it can pull on the retina, causing flashes to appear as flashing lights or lightning streaks. As the vitreous separates, it may find a firm attachment to the surface of the retina and may pull on the retina, causing a retinal tear. If a tear occurs, the liquefied vitreous can enter the tear and cause a retinal detachment. If you have any flashes or floaters in your vision, you should contact your eye doctor immediately to make sure you do not have any condition that requires treatment.