Flashers and Floaters

Understanding Flashes and Floaters

What are Flashes and Floaters?

• Floaters: These are small, dark shapes that float across your field of vision. They can appear as dots, lines, cobwebs, or blobs. Usually, they’re more noticeable when looking at a plain, bright background like a blue sky or a white wall.
• Flashes: These look like flickers or streaks of light in your field of vision. They often occur in the periphery (side) of your vision.

What Causes Flashes and Floaters?

• Floaters are usually caused by small pieces of debris that float in the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside your eye. As you age, the vitreous gradually becomes more liquid, and tiny fibers within it can clump and cast shadows on the retina.
• Flashes occur when the vitreous gel pulls on or rubs against the retina. This is more common as you get older or if you’re nearsighted.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Increase in Floaters: A sudden increase in the number of floaters.
• New Flashes: Especially if you suddenly start seeing flashes of light.
• Changes in Vision: Any loss of side vision or a dark curtain or veil across your vision.
• These could be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Treatment and Management

• In most cases, floaters and flashes are harmless and don’t require treatment. They often become less noticeable over time.
• If a retinal tear or detachment is causing the flashes or floaters, it will need prompt treatment, such as laser surgery or a vitrectomy.

Prevention and Monitoring

• Regular eye exams are important, especially as you age or if you have risk factors like high myopia (nearsightedness).
• It’s important to monitor any changes in the frequency or type of floaters and flashes and to have your eyes checked if they occur.

While flashes and floaters are usually not a cause for concern, their presence should be monitored for any changes that could indicate more serious eye conditions.