When to seek care immediately
A sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across any part of your vision may indicate a retinal tear or detachment. This requires immediate evaluation — do not wait for a routine appointment.
Emergency Eye CareMost floaters are benign — but some are a warning
Floaters are small shapes — dots, threads, or cobwebs — that drift across your visual field. They're caused by tiny clumps of collagen within the vitreous, the gel-like substance filling the back of the eye. As we age, the vitreous liquefies and can separate from the retina in a process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — which is common and usually harmless. However, if the vitreous pulls on the retina too forcefully during separation, it can cause a retinal tear or detachment — a sight-threatening emergency. Flashes of light (photopsia) occur when the retina is mechanically stimulated, usually by vitreous traction. They can accompany a new PVD or signal something more serious.
Floaters can affect anyone — but some people are at higher risk
While floaters are universal with age, certain factors increase the risk of a floater or flash being associated with a retinal event.
Adults over 50
The vitreous naturally liquefies with age, making posterior vitreous detachment increasingly common. Most PVDs are harmless, but they should be evaluated by an eye doctor when they first appear to rule out retinal complications.
Highly myopic (nearsighted) patients
Patients with high myopia have longer eyes and thinner retinas, significantly increasing the risk that a PVD will cause a retinal tear. If you are highly nearsighted and experience new floaters or flashes, call us promptly.
Anyone with sudden, new, or worsening symptoms
Regardless of age or prescription, a sudden onset of new floaters, an increase in flash frequency, or any visual field changes — even without pain — should be evaluated the same day.
A thorough look at your retina — from center to periphery
Evaluating floaters and flashes requires a careful view of the entire retina, including the peripheral edges where tears most commonly occur. Here's what we do.
Dilated Fundus Examination
Dilation allows us to examine the full retina, vitreous, and peripheral edges in detail. This is the most important step in evaluating new floaters or flashes and ruling out tears or detachment.
Optomap Ultra-Widefield Retinal Imaging
Optomap imaging captures up to 82% of the retina in a single image, often allowing us to detect peripheral changes that might be missed in a standard exam — and creating a baseline for future comparison.
Follow-Up Monitoring or Urgent Referral
If no tear is found, we typically schedule a follow-up exam within 4–6 weeks to confirm the vitreous has separated completely. If a retinal tear is detected, we coordinate same-day referral to a retinal specialist for treatment.
Common questions about floaters and flashes
Have a question not answered here? Feel free to call or text our team.
Most floaters are benign and a normal part of aging. They become a concern when they appear suddenly in large numbers, are accompanied by flashes of light, or coincide with any loss of peripheral vision. These symptoms warrant same-day evaluation.
Flashes occur when the vitreous pulls on or rubs against the retina, mechanically stimulating the photoreceptors. This is most common during a posterior vitreous detachment. Flashes can also be caused by migraines (which typically appear as zigzag patterns and last 20–30 minutes) or, less commonly, by retinal tears.
Many floaters become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts and they settle in the vitreous. They rarely disappear completely. Floaters that suddenly worsen or are accompanied by new symptoms should always be re-evaluated.
If you have a sudden shower of new floaters, persistent flashes, or any shadow or veil across part of your vision, call our office first — we can often see you the same day. If we are closed, go to an emergency eye clinic or ER immediately. Time matters with potential retinal detachments.
After a confirmed posterior vitreous detachment with no tear, we typically recheck at 4–6 weeks and then annually, or sooner if symptoms change. Regular retinal imaging is an important part of long-term monitoring.
New floaters or flashes? Don't wait to find out
A retinal evaluation takes less than an hour — and can protect your vision for years to come.