[charlesbahn]

I see this all the time. For us older folks, new floaters = the vitreous (jelly that fills the back of the eye) has pulled away from the retina (very delicate inside lining of the eye). There may or may not be associated flashing lights ("photopsia"). The danger is that as this happens it may tear the retina, which leads to a retinal detachment. If the tear is detected early by an experienced ophthalmologist by dilating the eye, it can be easily fixed in the office. If the retina does detach, major surgery is required to repair it, and even then may not be 100% successful. An once of prevention = a pound of cure.

Usual recommendation is dilated eye exam 12-24 hours after onset of symptoms, and avoid strenuous activity in the meantime.

The real tragedies are those that come into the office with compete loss of vision two weeks after they started to see the floaters which they did not think were important.

P.S. I'm an ophthalmologist.