Floaters in the eye

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi Doc, I have had floaters since I was around 10 years old. I am now 30 years old. Are the floaters any cause for alarm?

Dear Chris: Floaters are usually harmless. However, they can be associated with significant eye disease such as retinal detachment which can lead to blindness. Since you have been experiencing these symptoms for many years, it is unlikely that you have anything to worry about. You should be on the look out for a change in symptoms such as a sudden increase in the number of floaters, loss of peripheral vision or flashes of light. These suggest a retinal tear or retinal detachment which is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.