Floaters & Flashes

Floaters are small shadows in the vision that can move with the eye.  They may appear as lines, cobwebs, dots or circles.  They may not be seen all the time but may be more apparent with a pale background and sudden eye movement.

Floaters occur as a result of small opacities in the vitreous jelly that is inside the eye behind the lens. 

Flashes can occur when there is traction on the retina.  If there are small occasional flashes it implies that the vitreous jelly of the eye is pulling on the retina.  If there are extreme flashes like lightening inside the eye it is suggestive that the retina has been torn.  If there is a retinal tear there is a risk of retinal detachment which requires urgent treatment.

Patients who have sudden onset of new floaters or flashes should have a dilated ophthalmic examination as a matter of urgency.  If there is a small tear in the retina then this can be sealed with laser treatment.  An untreated retinal tear can go on to retinal detachment with loss of peripheral or central vision which can be permanent if the retina is not reattached within 24hours.

Sometimes a new floater may result from blood or haemorrhage in the vitreous jelly.  This can be a result of the vitreous pulling on the retinal blood vessels.  A vitreous haemorrhage can also be a complication of diabetic retinopathy.

If you have sudden or recent onset of floaters or flashing lights in your vision, you require an URGENT EYE EXAMINATION or check.  If there is loss of peripheral vision or central vision, this is an EMERGENCY.

If you have concerns or questions, please call.