Eye Floaters and Flashes: When to Worry and When It’s Normal

You’re looking at the sky or a bright screen — and suddenly, you notice tiny specks drifting across your vision. Sometimes, you might even see quick flashes of light, like lightning streaks in the corner of your eye.

At Evolutionary Eye Care, we often hear from patients who experience these symptoms and worry something serious is happening. The good news? Floaters and flashes are common — but in some cases, they can be warning signs of retinal problems that need immediate attention.

Let’s break down what’s normal and what’s not.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are tiny, shadowy shapes that drift across your vision. They can look like:

• Small dots or circles

• Thread-like strands

• Cobweb-like formations

Floaters occur when the vitreous — the gel-like substance inside your eye — starts to liquefy and pull away from the retina. This is a natural part of aging and is often harmless.

However, sudden or new floaters, especially accompanied by flashes or vision loss, can indicate a retinal tear or detachment — a medical emergency.

What Causes Flashes of Light?

Flashes happen when the vitreous tugs on the retina as it shifts inside the eye. These brief flickers or “streaks” of light are usually noticed in dark rooms or when blinking.
Persistent flashes or an increase in frequency can signal that the retina is under stress — and in some cases, may be tearing.

When to See an Optometrist Immediately

You should book an urgent eye exam at Evolutionary Eye Care if you experience:
⚠️ A sudden increase in floaters or flashes
⚠️ A dark curtain or shadow in your vision
⚠️ Loss of peripheral (side) vision
⚠️ Any sudden blurriness or light streaks

These could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Other Causes of Floaters and Flashes

Not all floaters and flashes mean danger — some are related to:

• Aging: The vitreous naturally changes over time.

• Eye injury or surgery: Temporary changes in vision may follow trauma or medical procedures.

• Diabetes: High blood sugar can affect the retina, leading to more frequent floaters.

• Inflammation (uveitis): Causes particles to form in the vitreous, mimicking floaters.

At Evolutionary Eye Care, our advanced retinal imaging tools help us determine whether your floaters are harmless or need further medical attention.

How Floaters Are Treated

Most floaters don’t need treatment and often become less noticeable as your brain learns to ignore them.
However, if floaters interfere with your vision or result from retinal complications, your optometrist may recommend:

• Laser therapy to break up dense floaters

• Vitrectomy (surgical removal of the vitreous) in rare, severe cases

• Immediate referral to a retinal specialist for detachment repair if needed

How to Protect Your Retinal Health

You can reduce your risk of retinal issues by:
✅ Maintaining regular eye exams (once a year, or more if diabetic).
✅ Managing blood pressure and blood sugar.
✅ Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors.
✅ Avoiding smoking — which accelerates retinal damage.
✅ Reporting new visual symptoms immediately.

Your eyes can change quickly — but with prompt care, most retinal issues can be managed effectively.

Schedule a Retinal Health Check Today

If you’ve recently noticed new floaters, flashes, or changes in your vision, don’t wait. A quick, painless exam at Evolutionary Eye Care can ensure your retina is healthy and your sight protected.