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Floaters and flashes are common visual symptoms that occur inside the eye. Floaters appear as dark specks or thread-like shapes drifting across your vision, while flashes look like quick streaks of light. Both are caused by changes in the vitreous gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina.
read more about floaters and flashes ...Floaters and flashes happen when the vitreous gel becomes more fluid with age or pulls slightly on the retina.
Most floaters are harmless, but flashes can indicate retinal tension or damage.
Floaters move with eye motion and are most visible when looking at bright backgrounds. Flashes may appear when the vitreous tugs on the retina, signaling possible retinal stress. While mild floaters fade over time, a sudden burst of floaters or flashes can signal a retinal tear and needs prompt care.
Doctors use dilated eye exams to inspect the retina and vitreous. Stable floaters often need no treatment, but persistent or severe ones may be treated with laser therapy or vitrectomy surgery. Immediate medical attention is needed if floaters or flashes increase suddenly or appear with a curtain-like shadow in vision.
Visit an eye doctor right away if you notice new floaters, light flashes, or dark shadows at the edge of your vision. These may signal retinal detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. Routine exams help detect early warning signs before serious complications occur.
Yes, mild floaters are common as the vitreous naturally changes with age.
If they appear suddenly or increase in number, see a doctor immediately.
No, floaters form inside the eye and are unrelated to contact lens wear.
Seek emergency eye care if you experience a sudden "shower" of new floaters, bright flashes of light (like lightning streaks), or a dark curtain moving across your field of vision. These are classic signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which is a sight-threatening emergency.
Mayo Clinic. Floaters: Symptoms & Causes (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
AAO. What are Floaters and Flashes? (aao.org). 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. Vitreous Floaters (clevelandclinic.org). 2024.
National Eye Institute. Retinal Detachment (nei.nih.gov). 2024.