Vision Care Services

Flashes, Floaters & Retinal Detachment

Flashes & Floaters

New flashes or floaters? Get checked today.

Floaters are specks, threads or cobwebs that drift across your vision. Flashes are brief streaks of light, often at the side of your vision. Most are caused by normal changes in the gel inside the eye, but they can also be the first sign of a retinal tear or detachment, which can cause permanent vision loss without prompt treatment.

Only a dilated eye exam can tell the difference.

Call today for a sudden shower of new floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain over part of your vision.

Same-day retina examA dilated exam of the retina with 90D and 20D lenses and the slit lamp microscope.

Optomap imagingUltra-widefield retinal photos that capture most of the retina in one image.

Fast surgical referralWe work with retina surgeons who can see urgent cases, such as a detachment, the same day.

What causes flashes and floaters

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): the gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina, which is common after age 50 and in nearsighted eyes.
Retinal tear: the gel tugs hard enough to tear the retina. Tears can often be sealed with a laser before they become a detachment.
Retinal detachment: the retina lifts away from the back of the eye. This needs surgery quickly.
Other causes: bleeding from diabetic eye disease, inflammation, and migraine aura, which causes zigzag lights that usually fade within an hour.

Who is at higher risk

Nearsightedness, especially high prescriptions
Previous cataract or other eye surgery
A previous injury to the eye
A retinal tear or detachment in the other eye or in the family
Diabetes. Diabetic eye exams

Common questions

Are floaters dangerous?

Most long-standing floaters are harmless. New floaters, especially a sudden shower of them or floaters with flashes, should be checked the same day because they can signal a retinal tear.

What does a retinal detachment look like?

People often describe a shadow, curtain or veil moving across part of their vision, sometimes after new flashes and floaters. It is painless, which is why it is easy to ignore. Call us right away.

What happens if you find a retinal tear?

We refer you to one of the retina surgeons we partner with, who can often see urgent cases the same day. Many tears are treated with a laser in the office to prevent a detachment.

Will my eyes be dilated?

Yes. A dilated exam is the best way to see the edges of the retina where tears happen. Bring sunglasses and plan for a driver if you need one.