What is the medical term for "floaters"?

The correct term for "floaters" is vitreous floaters. These are tiny specks or threads that float in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye between the lens and the retina. Floaters are commonly observed by individuals as shadows or spots that move with eye movement, and they can be particularly noticeable against bright backgrounds.

This understanding is essential because floaters can indicate changes or conditions within the vitreous gel that may be benign, but they can also signal more serious issues like retinal detachment if accompanied by flashes of light or significant changes in vision. The other options—retinal detachment, corneal opacities, and macular degeneration—refer to different ocular conditions that involve critical components of the eye's structure, but they do not describe the phenomenon of floaters. Each of these conditions affects vision in distinct ways, underscoring the importance of recognizing and accurately identifying symptoms in the eye care field.