Floaters are part of the natural aging process (called posterior vitreous detachment), and most people will have them. However, it is always good to have the eyes examined to exclude a retinal tear or retinal detachment because the symptoms can be similar. Retinal detachments will need to be surgically repaired in order to prevent permanent blindness.

Posterior vitreous detachment
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment surgery

This post has been edited by Vision and Eye Health: Jun 11 2012, 01:57 PM