Seeing Floaters or Flashes? When It Could Be a Retinal Issue

What Causes Floaters and Flashes?

Floaters appear as small shapes or specks that move when you move your eyes. Flashes look like brief bursts of light, often in your side vision. They’re usually caused by changes in the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of your eye. As we age, this gel can shrink and pull away from the retina, a condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). While this is common and often harmless, the pulling can sometimes cause a retinal tear, which can lead to retinal detachment, a medical emergency that threatens your vision.

Warning Signs to Watch For

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam right away:

• A sudden increase in floaters, like a “shower” of spots
• Flashes of light that don’t go away
• A shadow or curtain moving across your vision
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Loss of peripheral vision

Even if the symptoms seem minor, only a dilated eye exam can determine whether your retina is intact or torn.

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly

The retina is a delicate, light-sensitive tissue that sends visual signals to your brain. If it tears or detaches, vision can decline rapidly, and permanent loss may occur if not treated quickly. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can often prevent retinal detachment or restore vision if addressed early. The sooner you see a retina specialist, the better your chances for recovery.

How Retinal Problems Are Diagnosed and Treated

At a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist will dilate your pupils to see the retina clearly, use special lenses or imaging to check for tears or detachment, and recommend treatment if needed. Common treatments include:

• Laser therapy or cryopexy: Seals small tears to prevent detachment.
• Pneumatic retinopexy: A gas bubble reattaches the retina from inside the eye.
• Scleral buckle or vitrectomy: Surgical procedures used for more complex cases.

These treatments are typically done on an outpatient basis and can save vision when performed early.

Protect Your Vision With Expert Care

DLV Vision provides advanced ophthalmic care, from retinal evaluations to vision correction procedures and cataract surgery. Our board-certified specialists use leading technology to detect and treat retinal conditions early. If you’ve noticed new floaters or flashes, don’t wait, schedule an appointment right away.