The eye contains vitreous humor, a clear, gel-like substance found primarily in the vitreous chamber, the largest of the eye's three chambers. The vitreous chamber is between the eye lens and the optic nerve; it makes up the bulk of the eyeball. It helps maintain the eyeball's shape and acts as a shock absorber, protecting the eye when it's compressed or deformed. Although more than 98 percent of the vitreous humor is water, it is about three times more viscous.

Floaters are clumps of cell fragments (protein, fats, calcium) from inflammation, a retinal tear, or debris suspended within the vitreous humor. They move in tandem with eye movements, making them appear to shift away when one attempts to look at them directly, with a slight lag. Even after the eyes cease moving, the floaters continue to drift across the field of vision. They are typically painless and may not affect a person's ability to see beyond them.

As clumps of microscopic collagen fibers and other debris within the vitreous humor, floaters hinder the passage of light through the eye, thus creating shadowy shapes on the retina, the light-sensitive nerve layer at the back of the eye responsible for vision.

For most people, these changes happen gradually and cause mild symptoms that often go unnoticed. However, if the vitreous pulls too forcefully on a specific area of the retina or if there is abnormal adhesion between the vitreous and retina, it can lead to tears in the retina or damage to retinal blood vessels.

Foreign objects in the eye can sometimes cause floaters, but the floaters typically accompany other symptoms, like eye pain.

A positive or adaptable mindset can also play a key role in coping with floaters. People who embrace acceptance and resilience are more likely to adapt to the presence of floaters. Mental strategies such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques can reduce stress and anxiety associated with floaters, enhancing overall well-being and helping individuals manage the condition better.

According to Lee, to massage around the eyes, lie down, close the eyes, and use the index finger to press and rotate the Cuanzhu acupoint (above the brow) 50 times. Then, massage the outer corners of the eyes inward and outward 50 times each. Follow this by massaging the eyeballs with the index and middle fingers in circular inward and outward motions 50 times each.

Targeting the Jingming acupoint (near the inner corner of the eye) may also be beneficial. Press it firmly nine times and then massage it inward in the direction of the nose another nine times. Repeat this two to three times daily.

Additionally, massaging the Fengchi acupoint at the back of the head may also help. This acupoint is located below the occipital bone in the depression next to the prominent neck tendon. Use your thumbs to press and massage the Fengchi acupoint firmly 50 times, keeping your fingers raised above your head (like you're making bunny ears).