what are the dangers of having "floaters" in the eye?

Answer 1

I've had floaters for a long time. They're distracting at times, but no problem. They're certainly not dangerous.

Answer 2

Since there is virtually no research being done into the field of Eye Floaters, I cannot say for certain what the all the causes are. The best I can do is to give you my own personal experience.

The known causes are blows to the head and injuries to the eye. That however, does not explain a large amount of the cases.

The eye condition, Eye Floaters, is also known as "vitreous opacities" or "specks in the eye". They are annoying visual disturbances, often accompanied by flashes of light caused by a posterior vitreous detachment.

Sometimes a section of the vitreous pulls the fine fibers away from the retina all at once, rather than gradually, causing many new floaters to appear suddenly. This is called a vitreous detachment, which in most cases is not sight-threatening and requires no treatment. However, a sudden increase in floaters, possibly accompanied by light flashes or peripheral (side) vision loss, could indicate a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment occurs when any part of the retina, the eye's light-sensitive tissue, is lifted or pulled from its normal position at the back wall of the eye. A retinal detachment is a serious condition and should always be considered an emergency. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent visual impairment within two or three days or even blindness in the eye. Those who experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light in peripheral vision, or a loss of peripheral vision should have an eye care professional examine their eyes as soon as possible.
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/floaters/index.asp

The Eye Floaters Information Centre is a non-profit website and hopes that this site will provide you - either the medical professional or eye floater sufferer with helpful information.
http://www.eyefic.com/efic1.htm

The following are SLO videos showing severe eye floaters.
http://www.eyefic.com/slo.htm

Answer 3

According to my eye doctor, absolutely no danger. Unless, I don't know, they distract you so much that you get into a car crash. Although, my eye doctor does make me mad by saying that my deteriorating eyesight is no big deal... I'm 15 and without glasses I can't see my own face in the mirror three feet away. And it keeps getting worse. I hate the guy, but I hope he's right about this. Floaters aren't dangerous. They're just.. there. You're more likely to notice them if you're nearsighted. I got used to them, though.