What are Flashes and Floaters?
April 19, 2024
Have you ever noticed tiny flashes of light in your vision or seen strange shapes or dots in your line of sight? These are both common phenomena that most people experience from time to time.
These dots, lights, or shapes aren't really there, so noticing them in your vision can be off-putting. These shapes or dots you see in your vision are called flashes and floaters.
While flashes and floaters are common, especially as people age, they can become a problem if they are frequent or severe. Keep reading to discover what flashes and floaters are and what they could mean for your vision!
The Basics of Flashes and Floaters
Flashes and floaters in your eyes are similar but slightly different. When you look at the clear sky or a white wall and notice odd shapes in your vision, these are floaters, also known as myodesopsias.
When you notice flashes of light in your vision while looking at these blank spaces, these are flashes, also called photopsia. It's common to see both flashes and floaters in your vision simultaneously, or you may notice one or the other.
These conditions occur when the vitreous, the gel substance in the middle of the eye, lifts and pulls on the retina at the back of the eye. This lifting creates tension called posterior vitreous detachment, which can lead to the development of flashes and floaters in the eye. It happens as people age.
Why Do Flashes and Floaters Develop?
When pieces of the vitreous solidify, they create floaters in the eye that move around in the vitreous material. Think of floaters in your eye as tiny specks of dust on a camera lens.
While you may try to move your eyes or blink, the floaters will remain because they pass in front of your retina as they move through the vitreous. Flashes work similarly, but they create a sensation of seeing blinking, flashing, or streaking lights.
Flashes and floaters become more common once people are between 50 and 70.
How Do Flashes and Floaters Impact Your Vision?
Flashes and floaters impact your vision mainly through the appearance of shapes and lights that aren't there but you think you see. Flashes and floaters can look different to each person.
Some of the ways people describe floaters, for example, include:
- Shapes that look like spiders
- Black or dark spots
- Shadowy shapes
- Squiggly lines
- Cloud shapes
For flashes, some people see streaky lights in their vision, while others notice blinking lights. Seeing flashes and floaters is typically something that's not worth worrying about, but they can also be a sign of more concerning visual issues.
Should You Be Concerned About Flashes and Floaters?
Flashes and floaters are normal parts of aging because the vitreous in the eyes shrinks with age. If you have flashes and floaters, it doesn't mean something is wrong with your eyes.
However, seeing an eye doctor for routine eye exams is still essential. Routine eye exams should be more frequent as you get older or if you have underlying conditions like diabetes.
Most older adults or those with certain health or vision concerns should see their eye doctor once a year.
When are Flashes and Floaters Considered Serious?
In some cases, flashes and floaters can indicate a more serious condition, such as a torn or detached retina. If you notice the following signs, you should contact your ophthalmologist at Select Eye Care right away:
- You suddenly have a lot of new floaters in your vision
- You have frequent flashes
- There is a shadow in your side vision
- Your vision looks partially covered by a gray curtain
Retinal tears or detachment require immediate medical treatment, so always contact your eye doctor if you suspect you could have a retinal detachment or tear. Left untreated, a retinal detachment could lead to permanent loss of vision.
Learn More About Flashes and Floaters
Are There Treatment Options for Flashes and Floaters?
Flashes and floaters usually don't require treatment. While they can be annoying at times, they are relatively harmless.
They often move away from the front of your retina, so you won't notice them on a typical day. However, noticing significantly more flashes or floaters than usual could be a sign of a retinal detachment.
You can have persistent flashes and floaters removed with a procedure called a vitrectomy. However, this isn't necessary for most patients.
During a vitrectomy, the vitreous is removed and replaced with an artificial gel-like solution that works similarly. Removing the vitreous provides better access to the retina and decreases any tension on the retina.
Learn More About Flashes and Floaters
While flashes and floaters are a part of the natural aging process, seeking treatment is vital if you think you could have signs of a detached retina. Regularly scheduling eye exams are also an excellent way to ensure your eyes are healthy.
Are you noticing an increase in flashes and floaters? Request your appointment at Select Eye Care in Elkridge and Towson, MD! Keeping your eyes healthy should be a priority, so why not start now?