About Flahses and Floaters
Flashes look like brief streaks or sparks of light in your vision. They occur when the gel inside the eye (vitreous) tugs on the retina. Frequent or sudden flashes may be a warning sign of a retinal tear.
Floaters are tiny spots, specks, or thread-like shapes that drift across your field of vision. They are usually most noticeable when looking at a bright background, like a blue sky or a white wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes floaters?
Most floaters are caused by age-related changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye. As the vitreous becomes more liquid with age, microscopic fibers clump together and cast shadows on the retina, which you see as floaters.
Other causes can include:
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
Retinal tears or detachment (less common, but urgent)
Eye inflammation (uveitis)
Bleeding inside the eye (vitreous hemorrhage)
Eye trauma
Are flashes and floaters normal?
Yes, mild floaters are very common, especially with age. However, a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain/shadow in vision may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is an emergency.
When Should I see a retina specialist?
You should call an eye doctor immediately if you notice:
A sudden burst of new floaters
Flashes of light that don’t go away
A curtain, shadow, or gray area in your vision
Loss of central or side vision
These may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires urgent treatment to save vision.
What do floaters look like?
Patients often describe floaters as:
Small dots or circles
Cobwebs or threads
Squiggly lines or strings
“Gnats” or tiny bugs in vision
Do floaters go away on their own?
Floaters usually don’t disappear completely, but many become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts to them.
What treatments are available for floaters?
Observation: Most floaters do not require treatment.
Vitrectomy surgery: For severe, visually disabling floaters. This procedure removes the vitreous gel and replaces it with a clear solution. It is effective but usually reserved for significant cases due to surgical risks.
- Laser vitreolysis: Sometimes used in select cases, but not widely recommended.
Do floaters cause blindness?
No, floaters themselves do not cause blindness. However, they can be a sign of retinal tears or detachment, which can cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
How can I protect my vision?
Get regular dilated eye exams, especially if you’re over 50 or highly nearsighted.
Report any sudden vision changes to your eye doctor immediately.
Monitor at home by covering one eye at a time to detect new floaters or changes.
