Flashes & Floaters

Flashes
As you age or if you are nearsighted, you are more likely to see flashes. People will see flashes of light, stars or streaks that are not really there. Flashes are often caused by the vitreous (the gel filling the inside of your eye) pulling on the retina (a membrane that lines the inside of your eye).

Floaters
Floaters —or spots—can appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands or cobwebs in the field of vision caused by particles floating in the fluid that fills the inside of the eye. Because they are in the eyes, they move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly.

Spots are often caused by small flecks of protein or other matter that became trapped when your eyes formed before birth. They can also appear as the vitreous fluid deteriorates as we get older. Certain eye diseases or injuries can also cause the appearance of spots.

Most floaters are not harmful, and rarely limit vision. However, spots can be an indication of a more serious problem. Contact us if you suddenly start seeing more spots, especially in your central vision. We can determine if what you are seeing is harmless or the symptom of a serious problem that requires immediate treatment.

If you experience these symptoms, contact us immediately.

• A significant or sudden increase in flashes of light or floaters/spots. These are more likely to occur when you are looking around.

• Normal tasks become hard to do because of floaters or flashes

• Shadow of a curtain moving across vision and loss of central vision.

A history or vitreous, retinal disease, intraocular surgery or a family history of vision loss or retinal disease, can increase your risks for a more serious condition.