Floaters & Flashes
Table of Contents
Floaters & Flashes
Floaters and flashes are visual symptoms that many people experience at some point in their lives. While they are possibly related to natural changes within the eye, they may sometimes indicate a problem affecting the retina and should be evaluated by an eye specialist.
Floaters appear as small moving shapes within the field of vision. These may look like dots, lines, threads, or cobweb-like shadows that move when the eyes move.
Flashes of light may appear as brief streaks or flickers of light in the peripheral vision, particularly in darker environments.
A sudden increase in these symptoms may be associated with urgent retinal conditions that require prompt assessment.
At Claris Eye Centre, evaluation focuses on identifying the underlying cause of these symptoms and determining whether treatment or monitoring may be required.
Care by Dr Helen Mi Fang
Assessment and management of eyelid conditions at Claris Eye Centre is provided by Dr Helen Mi Fang, Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Consultation starts by understanding the clinical progression and patient’s symptoms, followed by a detailed examination. This includes an assessment of the eyelid margins, oil glands and ocular surface to determine the best course of action.
Management plans are tailored according to the type of eyelid condition, severity of symptoms and each patient’s overall eye health.
Understanding Floaters
to various underlying conditions.
The vitreous is a clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina. As light enters the eye, these small particles may cast shadows on the retina, which appear as moving shapes in the field of vision.
Common descriptions of floaters include:
- Small dark spots
- Thread-like strands
- Cobweb-like shadows
- Tiny specks that drift across vision
Floaters may be more noticeable when looking at bright backgrounds, such as a clear sky or a computer screen.
When there is a presence of floaters, there is a need to exclude any urgent underlying conditions, such as a retinal tear or detachment.
Understanding Flashes of Light
Flashes occur when the vitreous gel pulls or tugs on the retina.
This mechanical stimulation of the retina may cause the brain to perceive flashes of light, even though no external light source is present.
Flashes are often described as:
- Brief flickers of light
- Lightning-like streaks
- Spark-like flashes in the peripheral vision
These flashes may occur more frequently in dim lighting conditions or during movement of the eyes.
Causes of Floaters and Flashes
Several conditions may lead to the development of floaters and flashes.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
Posterior vitreous detachment occurs when the vitreous gel separates from the retina. This is a common age-related change that often develops after the age of 40.
PVD may cause floaters or flashes. While it is usually harmless, it can sometimes be associated with retinal tears.
Retinal Tears
In some cases, traction from the vitreous may cause a small tear in the retina.
Retinal tears may lead to a sudden increase in floaters or flashes due to pigment release. Early detection allows treatment to be considered to reduce the risk of retinal detachment.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the underlying tissue that supports it.
This condition requires urgent ophthalmic assessment and treatment.
Symptoms may include floaters, flashes and a dark shadow or curtain appearing across part of the vision.
Vitreous Haemorrhage
Bleeding into the vitreous gel may also cause floaters or dark spots in the vision.
Possible causes include retinal tears, diabetic eye disease or trauma.
Symptoms That Should Be Evaluated Promptly
While floaters may be common, certain symptoms should be assessed by an eye specialist as soon as possible.
These include:
- New onset of floaters
- Sudden appearance of many new floaters
- Flashes of light in the peripheral vision
- A dark shadow or curtain across vision
- Sudden decrease in vision
- Floaters accompanied by blurred or distorted vision
Assessment of Floaters and Flashes
A comprehensive eye examination is required to evaluate floaters and flashes and determine whether retinal complications are present.
Assessment may include:
- Visual acuity testing
- Dilated retinal examination
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging
- Retinal photography
- Ocular ultrasound where required
Management of Floaters and Flashes
Management depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Floaters related to age-related vitreous changes may be monitored without treatment.
If retinal tears or other retinal conditions are detected, treatment such as laser retinopexy or other retinal procedures may be recommended to protect the retina.
Your eye specialist will discuss appropriate management options based on the clinical findings during your examination.
- Your Retinal Specialist
Dr Helen Mi Fang
Book A Consultation
If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light or changes in your vision, an eye assessment is recommended.
Schedule an appointment with Claris Eye Centre for a comprehensive retinal evaluation and discussion of appropriate management options.