Flashes & Floaters

Figuring Out Flashes & Floaters

Our eyes are complicated. Certain symptoms may be harmless in some instances, while in other cases they could be an indication of something serious. Flashes and floaters may be completely harmless, but new ones can be an indication of something more serious. It’s best to confirm with your optometrist.

Flashes

Your retina is incredibly sensitive to light to help you see. Sometimes this sensitivity can lead to overstimulation which is interpreted as a flash of light. Causes of flashes include pressure on your eyes, banging or jostling your head, and the tugging of the vitreous on the retina as we age.

Floaters

Floaters are tiny fibres found inside the eye that sometimes appear in our vision. They can appear as clumps, strings, or even donut shapes. What you’re really seeing is the shadow these floaters cast on your retina as they move within your eye.

When To Be Concerned

Typically, there is a clear cause for flashes and they are relatively harmless. Occasional floaters are also nothing to be concerned about.

However, if you experience a sudden, unexplained onset of flashes or floaters, or a curtain or veil in your vision, seek emergency care.

Any sudden change in your eyes should be cause for concern. Suddenly appearing flashes, often accompanied by a shower of floaters, are a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. Left untreated, these can cause permanent vision loss. If you think you might be experiencing new flashes or floaters, call us for an emergency appointment or visit your nearest emergency room.