Managing Floaters and Flashes: What’s Normal and When to Act

Many people notice small specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes drifting across their vision. These are commonly called floaters, and they can appear when you’re looking at a plain background, like a bright sky or a white wall. Flashes, on the other hand, look like brief streaks or flickers of light in your vision. While both floaters and flashes are relatively common, there are times when they can signal a more serious eye condition that requires immediate attention.

What Causes Floaters?

Floaters develop when the vitreous gel inside your eye begins to change with age. Tiny clumps of collagen fibers within the gel cast shadows on the retina, creating the appearance of floating spots. Floaters are usually harmless, especially if they appear gradually over time and don’t interfere significantly with vision. They are most often associated with:

• Normal age-related changes in the vitreous

• Nearsightedness (myopia)

• Previous eye injuries or surgeries

What Causes Flashes?

Flashes happen when the vitreous gel tugs on the retina, stimulating it in a way that creates the sensation of light. Flashes can appear as lightning streaks, sparks, or quick flashes in your side vision. Occasional flashes may not be a concern, but persistent or sudden flashes should not be ignored.

When to Monitor

If floaters and flashes appear gradually, remain relatively unchanged over time, and don’t interfere with your daily activities, they are usually not a cause for concern. In most cases, it’s safe to simply monitor them and bring them up at your next routine eye exam.

When to Act Immediately

Seek prompt eye care if you notice:

• A sudden increase in floaters

• New or persistent flashes of light

• A shadow, curtain, or dark area in your side (peripheral) vision

• Blurred or distorted central vision

These could be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, conditions that require urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Protect Your Vision with Lakhani Vision Care

While floaters and flashes are often a normal part of aging, they can sometimes signal more serious issues that shouldn’t be overlooked. Staying aware of any sudden changes in your vision and seeking timely care can make all the difference in protecting your eyesight for the long term.

If you’ve noticed new floaters, flashes, or other changes in your vision, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Lakhani Vision Care today. Visit our office in Marietta, Georgia, or call (770) 509-9932 to book an appointment.