Flashes and Floaters in Your Eyes: When to See the Doctor

Have you noticed small specks drift across your vision or seen quick flashes of light? These are known as floaters and flashes, and while they’re often harmless, they can sometimes signal a more serious eye problem. 

When you understand the difference, you can know when to seek our care at InVision Eye Care in Lakewood, New Jersey. Take a moment to learn what our expert team has to share on this topic.

What are floaters?

Floaters are small shapes (similar to dots, lines, or cobwebs) that seem to move when your eyes move. They are made of tiny clumps inside the vitreous, a clear, gel-like substance in your eye. Over time, the gel inside your eye starts to thin out and break down. When that happens, these tiny clumps form more easily and can show up in your vision as faint shadows.

Most floaters are normal and may fade or become less noticeable over time. You might see them more when looking at something bright, like the sky or a white wall.

What causes flashes?

Flashes look like brief streaks or bursts of light, similar to seeing “stars.” They happen when the vitreous pulls or tugs on the retina. This is also common with aging and may occur occasionally without causing harm.

However, you shouldn’t ignore frequent or sudden flashes, especially if they appear alongside new floaters.

When you should be concerned

While occasional floaters or flashes are usually harmless, certain changes may indicate a more serious issue, such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment. These issues need quick medical care to help protect your vision.

Watch for these warning signs:

• A sudden increase in floaters
• Frequent flashes of light
• A dark shadow or “curtain” moving across your vision
• Blurred or reduced vision in one eye
• Loss of peripheral (side) vision

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our office as soon as possible for an evaluation, as they may indicate a retinal problem that requires immediate care.

Why early evaluation matters

When you schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our team, we can help determine the cause of your symptoms. As eye care providers, we use specialized tools to examine your retina and check for tears, detachment, or other issues. We can catch problems early, allowing for simpler and more effective treatment.

In many cases, treatment isn’t needed for floaters and flashes. But when a retinal problem is present, early intervention can protect your vision.

How to protect your eye health

The bottom line is that whether you notice any changes in your vision or not, our expert team is here to protect your eyesight. You can do that by booking regular eye exams with us at InVision Eye Care. 

We may recommend more frequent appointments as you get older or if you have risk factors like nearsightedness, diabetes, or a history of eye injury. 

Be sure to pay attention to changes in your vision and act quickly when something feels off. We can diagnose any concerning issues and provide treatment, which can make all the difference.

If you’re ever unsure about unusual symptoms with your vision, it’s always best to have an exam. Book yours by clicking here to request an appointment online, or by calling our office at 732.210.0140 today.