Have you recently noticed small specks, strings, or shadowy shapes drifting across your vision? Or perhaps brief flashes of light that seem to appear out of nowhere? These visual changes - commonly called floaters and flashes - are common and often harmless. However, in some cases, they can be a sign of an underlying eye condition that needs prompt attention. Understanding what causes floaters and flashes can help you feel more confident about your eye health and know when it’s time to see an eye doctor.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Floaters are tiny shapes that appear to drift through your field of vision. They may look like:
 

• Black or gray specks

• Squiggly lines

• Cobweb-like strands

• Transparent blobs

Floaters are most noticeable when looking at a bright, plain background - like a clear blue sky or a white wall.

What Causes Floaters?

Inside your eye is a gel-like substance called the vitreous. As we age, the vitreous gradually shrinks and becomes more liquid. Tiny fibers within the vitreous can clump together, casting shadows on the retina. These shadows are what you perceive as floaters.

Floaters are especially common:
 

• After age 50

• In people who are nearsighted

• After cataract surgery

• Following eye inflammation or injury

In most cases, floaters are a normal part of aging and don’t require treatment.

What Are Flashes of Light?

Flashes appear as brief streaks or bursts of light, often in the side vision. Some people describe them as lightning streaks or camera flashes. Flashes occur when the vitreous gel tugs or pulls on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to your brain. When it’s stimulated mechanically - such as by pulling - it can create the sensation of light even when no light is present.

Like floaters, occasional flashes can be part of the natural aging process. However, persistent or sudden flashes should never be ignored.

When Are Floaters and Flashes a Concern?

While most floaters and flashes are harmless, certain changes may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment - serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Contact an eye doctor right away if you experience:
 

• A sudden increase in floaters

• A burst of new flashes

• A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision

• Sudden blurred or reduced vision

A retinal tear can allow fluid to pass under the retina, potentially leading to retinal detachment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve your vision.

Don’t Ignore New Vision Changes

Seeing floating spots or flashes of light can be unsettling, but in many cases, they’re a normal part of the eye’s aging process. However, sudden or dramatic changes in your vision should never be ignored. Because floaters and flashes can sometimes signal a retinal tear or detachment, prompt evaluation is critical to protecting your eyesight.

If you’re experiencing new or worsening floaters and flashes, don’t ignore the signs. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Eye Center of Virginia for expert care you need to protect your vision. Visit our office in Williamsburg, Virginia, or call (757) 919-3500 today.