Many people have floaters. Floaters that you have had for years, and that SHOW little change, are usually not serious. It is the sudden onset of a new floater or floaters that may be serious. The onset of flashes may also be serious.

Anyone with flashes or the sudden onset of a new floater (or floaters) should be examined promptly by an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will perform a dilated fundus exam (looking at the vitreous and retina with specialized equipment after giving drops to enlarge the pupils).