TED-Ed: What are those floaty things in your eye? - Michael Mauser

The video explains floaters, a common visual phenomenon where tiny objects inside the eye cast shadows on the retina. These floaters are more visible against bright, uniform backgrounds. The video also covers the blue field entoptic phenomenon, where white blood cells moving through retinal capillaries create moving dots of light. Both phenomena are natural and usually harmless, though excessive floaters may indicate a medical issue. The video highlights how our perception is influenced by both biological and external factors.

What are floaters and where do they exist?

• Tiny external bugs that fly around

• Reflections on the surface of the eye

• Objects inside the eyeball casting shadows on the retina

• Particles in the air that affect vision

How do floaters become more visible?

• When looking at a moving object

• Against a bright, uniform background

• In dim lighting conditions

• When the eye is closed

What causes the blue field entoptic phenomenon?

• Dust particles in the air

• Changes in pupil size

• White blood cells moving through retinal capillaries

• Floaters moving in the vitreous humor

What might indicate a need for medical attention regarding floaters?

• Floaters that disappear after blinking

• Floaters that appear only when tired

• A sudden increase in the number or size of floaters

• Seeing floaters only in dim light

What does the presence of entoptic phenomena remind us about vision?

• Vision is unaffected by biological factors

• Vision is solely dependent on external light

• Vision is influenced by both biology and perception

• Vision is only about what is outside the body