This scenario has happened to many of us: we see strange little "floaters" that look like dark specs or transparent shapes floating in the periphery of our vision. These floaters can be unsettling, but they aren't always a cause for alarm.

Floaters are microscopic fibers in our eyes that can clump up and cast small shadows on our retina. Most floaters are caused by age-related changes, and they can be annoying, but it's a normal part of our eyes' aging process; however, you should seek a doctor's opinion if you have the following symptoms.

If you notice a significant increase in floaters, see flashes of light, or lose your peripheral vision, you should contact an eye doctor. These can be signs of a potentially blinding condition known as retinal tearing or retinal detachment.