Have you ever noticed sudden flashes of light or small spots drifting across your vision? These visual disturbances (commonly known as flashes and floaters) can be startling. While they’re often harmless and age-related, they can also signal a more serious condition that needs prompt attention. Understanding the causes and knowing when to seek medical help is essential for protecting your vision.
 

What Are Flashes and Floaters?

Floaters are small visual disturbances that appear as specks, cobwebs, or thread-like shapes drifting across your field of vision. They are typically more noticeable when looking at a bright, uniform background such as a clear blue sky or a white wall. These shapes are actually tiny clumps or strands within the vitreous; the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye.

Flashes, on the other hand, are brief bursts or streaks of light that resemble lightning. They usually appear in your peripheral vision and can occur when the vitreous tugs on the retina. While occasional flashes may not be a cause for concern, persistent or sudden flashes could indicate a more serious issue requiring prompt evaluation.
 

Common Causes

• Aging and Vitreous Changes: The most common cause is the natural aging process. As we get older, the gel-like substance inside the eye (vitreous) begins to shrink and pull away from the retina, creating floaters and flashes.

• Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): This is a common age-related condition where the vitreous separates from the retina. It’s usually benign but can sometimes lead to complications.

• Retinal Tears or Detachments: Flashes and an increase in floaters may signal a retinal tear or detachment, which is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate care.

• Eye Injuries or Trauma: Any trauma to the eye can lead to floaters or flashes due to changes in the vitreous or damage to the retina.

• Inflammation (Uveitis): Inflammatory conditions inside the eye can also cause floaters.
 

When to See an Ophthalmologist

While occasional floaters are common and usually harmless, certain symptoms should never be ignored. Contact an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience:

• A sudden increase in floaters

• New or persistent flashes of light

• A shadow or curtain over part of your vision

• Vision loss in one or both eyes

These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
 

Treatment Options for Flashes and Floaters

If your symptoms are mild and not associated with any serious underlying condition, your ophthalmologist may recommend a watchful waiting approach. This means simply monitoring the flashes or floaters over time to ensure they do not worsen or indicate a more serious issue.

In instances where floaters significantly interfere with daily vision, a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy may be considered. This involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye and replacing it with a clear solution to improve visual clarity.

If a retinal tear or detachment is diagnosed, immediate treatment is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss. Options may include laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing treatment), or surgery to repair and reattach the retina.

When floaters are caused by inflammation within the eye, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory treatments. These may include eye drops or oral medications to reduce the inflammation and relieve symptoms.
 

Protect Your Vision at Gulf Coast Retina Center

While flashes and floaters are often a natural part of aging, they can also be signs of serious eye conditions. It’s important not to ignore sudden changes in your vision. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in protecting your eyesight.

If you're experiencing new or worsening flashes or floaters, schedule an eye exam with Gulf Coast Retina Center. Visit our office in Sarasota or Venice, Florida, call (941) 312-2769 to book an appointment, or be seen today.