What are Flashes and Floaters?
Floaters are mobile shadows cast by debris in the vitreous gel, while flashes are light streaks caused by mechanical stimulation of the retina during posterior vitreous detachment. Most are benign age-related changes, but sudden onset requires immediate evaluation.
Understanding the Disease
Risk Factors
- • Age over 60 (most common)
- • Myopia (nearsightedness)
- • Recent eye surgery (cataract)
- • Previous eye trauma
- • Inflammation inside the eye
- • Family history of retinal problems
Symptoms
⚠️ SEEK IMMEDIATE CARE for sudden onset symptoms
Floaters:
- • Intermittent flashing lights
- • New floaters (mobile shadows)
- • Black dots or cobweb appearance
Flashes:
- • Brief streaks of light
- • Usually in peripheral vision
- • Often with eye movement
Diagnostic Methods
Dilated Eye Examination
Complete retinal evaluation
Indirect Ophthalmoscopy
Detailed peripheral retinal examination
Treatment Options
Observation (Most Cases)
Usually no treatment needed for uncomplicated cases
Regular monitoring and patient education about warning signs
Vitrectomy (Rare)
Only for severe cases significantly impacting quality of life
Reserved for exceptional circumstances due to surgical risks
Prevention & Management
- • Regular eye examinations
- • Immediate evaluation of sudden symptoms
- • Education about warning signs
- • Protection from eye trauma
- • Prompt treatment of eye inflammation
- • Follow-up care as recommended
Excellent Prognosis
85% of patients never develop complications from flashes and floaters. Symptoms typically improve within 3 months as the brain adapts. The key is proper evaluation to rule out serious retinal conditions and appropriate follow-up care.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Call immediately if you experience sudden shower of floaters, frequent flashing lights, or any curtain or shadow in your vision. These may indicate retinal tear or detachment requiring emergency treatment.