Floaters and Flashes
Spots, strands, or light flashes in vision; sudden changes can sometimes be urgent.
What is it?
Floaters are spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across the field of vision. Flashes are brief bursts of light. Although they are often harmless, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, especially with a curtain-like shadow, requires urgent assessment.
Common symptoms
- Spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes moving in vision
- Brief flashes of light
- Sudden large increase in floaters with or without flashes
Risk factors
- Consult an eye specialist to understand your personal risk factors.
Prevention tips
- Seek urgent eye assessment if floaters suddenly increase or a shadow appears
- There is no proven method to prevent physiological floaters
Treatment overview
Most floaters are harmless and do not require treatment. However, any sudden increase in floaters or flashes requires an urgent dilated retinal examination to exclude a retinal tear or retinal detachment.
Seek urgent care if you notice
- Sudden vision loss
- Severe eye pain
- New flashes, many new floaters, or curtain-like shadow
Related eye care tips
Have questions about your eyes?
This information is general education and does not replace a professional eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes, book an appointment.