Flashes and floaters are common visual symptoms that many people experience at some point in their lives. In many cases, they are linked to natural changes inside the eye, but new or changing symptoms can sometimes be an early warning sign of a retinal problem. At IOES, our role is to assess these symptoms promptly, give you clarity and help protect your vision.
Flashes and floaters are usually caused by changes in the vitreous, the clear gel inside the eye. They may be harmless, but because they can occasionally be linked to a retinal tear or retinal detachment, it is important to take new or changing symptoms seriously.
Floaters may appear as dots, lines, strands or cobweb-like shapes moving across your vision
Flashes may appear as brief streaks or flashes of light
Symptoms may be more noticeable against bright backgrounds or in darker environments
Many cases are linked to natural age-related changes inside the eye
New, sudden or changing symptoms should be assessed promptly
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on what is happening inside the eye. Some people notice only occasional floaters, while others may experience a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes, or changes in vision.
Small shapes, dots, lines or cobwebs moving across your vision
Brief flashes of light or lightning-like streaks
Floaters that are more noticeable when looking at the sky, a screen or a white wall
Flashes that are more noticeable in darker environments
Blurred, reduced or disturbed vision alongside new flashes or floaters
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Causes and Risk Factors
The most common cause of flashes and floaters is a natural ageing process inside the eye known as posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD. In some cases, symptoms may be linked to a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which requires prompt specialist assessment.
Posterior vitreous detachment, where the gel inside the eye shrinks and separates from the retina
Small particles in the vitreous that create visible floaters
Gentle stimulation or pulling on the retina, which can create flashes
Retinal tear, where the retina is pulled or weakened
Retinal detachment, where the retina separates from the back of the eye
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When to Seek Help
Flashes and floaters should be assessed promptly if they are new, sudden, increasing or accompanied by any change in vision. These symptoms do not always mean something serious is happening, but they can be warning signs that need timely review.
A sudden increase in floaters
New flashes of light
Blurred or reduced vision
A shadow, curtain or dark area in your side vision
Symptoms that are new, changing or causing concern
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How It Is Diagnosed
At IOES, assessment is focused on understanding your symptoms and checking the retina carefully. Your clinician will explain what they find, whether monitoring is suitable, or whether further treatment is needed.
A detailed discussion of your symptoms and when they started
Assessment of whether symptoms are new, changing or affecting vision
A dilated retinal examination
Advanced imaging to examine the retina more closely
Clear guidance on whether monitoring, treatment or urgent care is needed
Diagnosis and Next Steps
In many cases, no treatment is required and you may be advised to monitor your symptoms, as floaters often become less noticeable over time. If a retinal tear, detachment or another retinal concern is detected, your clinician will guide you on the most appropriate next step quickly and clearly.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Posterior vitreous detachment usually requires observation only, while retinal tears may be treated with laser therapy and retinal detachment may require surgical repair. Where retinal treatment or surgery is needed, patients may be guided towards Vitreo-Retinal Surgery for specialist care.
Posterior vitreous detachment is often monitored without treatment
No. Flashes and floaters are often linked to natural changes inside the eye and may not require treatment. However, new or changing symptoms should be assessed because they can sometimes be linked to a retinal tear or detachment.
What causes floaters?
Floaters are often caused by small particles or changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye. These can cast shadows on the retina, which appear as dots, lines, strands or cobweb-like shapes in your vision.
When should I be concerned about flashes or floaters?
You should seek prompt assessment if you notice a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, blurred or reduced vision, or a shadow or curtain in your side vision.
What happens during an assessment?
Your clinician will discuss your symptoms, examine the back of the eye and may use advanced imaging to check the retina. The aim is to confirm whether monitoring is suitable or whether treatment is needed.
What treatment might be needed?
Many cases require observation only. If a retinal tear is found, laser therapy may be recommended. If retinal detachment is present, urgent specialist treatment or surgery may be needed.
