Have you ever noticed floating shapes drifting across your vision, especially when looking at a bright surface like the sky ...

If you ever notice pesky dark strands that may resemble anything from a simple speck to a cobweb drifting across your vision, what you're probably seeing is what's known as an eye floater.

If you find yourself following spots in your vision, there's no reason to worry. Here's the real reason we get them, when it happens and what to look out for. Follow TI: On Facebook More from Tech ...

For most people, these shadowy figures—known as eye floaters—are a harmless visual quirk. However, for those dealing with anxiety, floaters can become a significant source of distress.

Do tiny specks that disturb your vision trouble your eyes? You might be experiencing eye floaters! These are usually harmless disturbances, often resulting from aging, injuries, or specific health ...

The authors propose that floaters are usually diffraction patterns cast on the retina by red blood cells They are the spots that most people occasionally see before their eyes.