PERSISTENT FLOATERS

WHAT IT MAY MEAN: Torn retina “Floaters are little dots, specs or cobwebs that drift around when you move your eyes,” Edmonds says. “Most of us will get them at some time, more frequently with age, as the jelly-like substance in our eyes becomes more liquid.” A sudden onset of more floaters than usual, particularly if accompanied by flashes of light or darkness in vision, is a warning sign for a tear in your retina or injury in the back of your eye and needs urgent attention.

WHAT TO DO: See an optician if general floaters are bothering you or if your vision is impaired – treatment is available. Sudden floaters and flashing lights must be treated as a medical emergency.

– The Times, London