When tiny retinal cells are shed from your eye, they can get stuck in the jellylike coating over your eye that protects it from environmental damage. These cells can interfere with your vision and cause you to see floaters or flashes that are harmless despite being uncomfortable, but floaters and flashes can also be a sign you have an eye condition that needs to be addressed. Floaters appear as small lines, while flashes appear as shimmering specks.

Have you ever looked at your optical prescription and wondered what it actually says about your eyes? The information on your prescription can be difficult to interpret, but once you understand the terms used by your optometrist you'll be able to read your glasses prescription with ease. Your prescription is split into several sections and you may see a number in each section with a plus or minus sign next to it.