The guide
Flashes and Floaters: When They Are Normal and When They Are Not
What floaters actually are
Floaters are tiny shadows cast by the gel (vitreous) inside your eye onto the retina. They drift when you move your eyes and are usually harmless when few and stable.
What flashes mean
Flashes without a light source can happen when the vitreous gel tugs on the retina. Occasional brief flashes can occur with age, but new or repeated flashes deserve a retinal examination.
The warning pattern
A sudden shower of new floaters, repeated flashes or a shadow at the edge of vision can occur with a retinal tear or detachment. Prompt examination is important because treatment and outlook depend on the findings.
Who is at higher risk
People who are highly myopic (minus power), have had eye injury or surgery, have diabetes, or have a family history of retinal detachment should be more alert to new symptoms.
The examination
A dilated retina examination lets the specialist see the peripheral retina where tears usually start. Imaging such as OCT may support the evaluation.
Do not wait
Please seek urgent assessment if you have
- Sudden increase in floaters
- Repeated flashes of light
- A curtain or shadow at the side of vision
- Floaters or flashes after an eye injury
These symptoms may need urgent care. Contact the hospital to check availability; if you cannot promptly reach an eye-care team, go to the nearest emergency service.
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