Most cases of floaters are due to posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) or vitreous degeneration. You can manage a patient in your practice if you confirm they have a PVD after dilated ocular examination and:  

1. vision is unchanged
2. no retinal tear or detachment is present
3. no pigment is present in the anterior vitreous
4. the patient is well informed about what symptoms to expect if the retina does break or detach subsequently
5. you issue the patient with written information to support your diagnosis and advice.