WHAT ARE FLOATERS?
Floaters are small shapes that appear to drift through your vision. They may look like spots, dots, rings, squiggly lines, or spiderweb-like strands. Although they seem to be floating in front of your eyes, they are actually located inside the eye.
Floaters are caused by tiny pieces of gel or cells within the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. The shapes you see are shadows cast by these particles onto the retina.
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People often notice floaters most clearly when looking at a plain background, such as a white wall or a bright blue sky.
As you get older, the vitreous naturally begins to shrink and become less uniform. This process can cause strands or clumps to form within the gel. Sometimes the vitreous separates from the back of the eye, a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment. Floaters commonly occur during this process. In most cases, they are harmless and gradually become less noticeable over time. Although surgery can remove severe floaters, treatment is rarely needed.
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You may have a higher chance of developing floaters if you:
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Are nearsighted and require glasses to see distant objects clearly
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Have previously undergone cataract surgery
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Have experienced inflammation or swelling inside the eye
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WHAT ARE FLASHES?
Flashes appear as brief streaks of light, flickering lights, or lightning-like patterns in your vision.​​​​​​​​​​
Some people describe flashes as looking similar to the “stars” seen after a bump to the head. These flashes may come and go for several weeks or even months. They occur when the vitreous pulls on or rubs against the retina.
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Seeing occasional flashes becomes more common as people grow older and is often related to normal age-related changes within the eye.
WHEN FLOATERS AND FLASHES ARE SERIOUS
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Most floaters and flashes are not dangerous. However, there are situations when they may indicate a more serious eye problem.
You should contact an ophthalmologist immediately if:
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You suddenly notice many new floaters
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You begin seeing frequent or numerous flashes of light
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A dark shadow develops in your side (peripheral) vision
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A gray curtain or veil appears to cover part of your vision
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These symptoms may be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment.
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A retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back wall of the eye. This is a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment to help prevent permanent vision loss.
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