What should I do if I develop quite a few eye floaters?

You should make an appointment with a good eye doctor who will dilate your eyes. They will want to carefully examine your retina to make sure there are no holes, tears, or weak areas. These could potentially be the source of the floaters and would probably be treated at that time if need be. They are more common in nearsighted people. Although rarely the actual case, a retinal detachment triggered by these holes or tears could be the cause, releasing the floaters themselves as the only symptom. If caught early, it is usually quite easy and safe to treat such a retinal problem. But a progressive retinal detachment, if not discovered and treated, could be a serious threat to one's vision.

Most vitreous floaters are entirely benign, albeit annoying, and not associated with any retinal problems, though. Better to be safe than sorry!

_Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic