Question: I sometimes see “floaters” in my vision — they almost look like little squiggly lines. What are they and should I be worried?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:

Most of the time floaters are of no consequence. But this doesn’t mean you ignore them. You would be wise to seek an eye exam or consult your doctor.

Floaters may be the only sign you get before you have a stroke or an early warning of an evolving retinal detachment, a true emergency where irreparable vision loss or blindness may occur.

New floaters deserve immediate physician evaluation before dismissing them as inconsequential.