New flashes or floaters are common, but sometimes they can be a warning sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment.
Floaters, spots, cobwebs or brief flashes of light in your vision are often caused by normal changes to the clear gel inside the eye, known as the vitreous.
One of the most common causes is a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — a normal age-related change where the vitreous begins to separate from the retina at the back of the eye.
Most PVDs do not cause any lasting problem. However, occasionally the vitreous can pull strongly enough on the retina to create a retinal tear. If fluid passes through this tear and underneath the retina, a retinal detachment can develop.
Because retinal tears and detachments can threaten vision, new or suddenly changing flashes and floaters should be assessed promptly with a dilated retinal examination.
At Illume Eye Care in Ponsonby, Auckland, we can provide urgent assessment of new flashes, floaters and other sudden changes in vision.
What are floaters?
Floaters are small shapes that appear to move or drift through your vision.
They may look like:
- dots or specks
- threads or strands
- cobwebs
- rings
- small shadows
- a cloud of spots
- tadpole-like shapes
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They are often easiest to notice when looking at something plain and bright, such as a white wall, computer screen or clear blue sky. Floaters usually come from the vitreous, the transparent jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye.
As we get older, the vitreous gradually becomes more liquid and its collagen fibres can clump together. These small clumps cast shadows onto the retina, which you perceive as floaters.
Many people have a few longstanding floaters that remain unchanged for years. A sudden appearance or significant increase in floaters, however, should be checked.
What are flashes in your vision?
Flashes are brief flickers, arcs, sparks or streaks of light.
They are often:
- seen towards the edge of your vision
- more noticeable in dim lighting or at night
- very brief
- described as lightning, camera flashes or flickering lights
Flashes can occur when the vitreous moves and mechanically pulls on the retina, the light-sensitive layer lining the inside of the eye. New flashes are commonly associated with a posterior vitreous detachment but can sometimes occur when there is a retinal tear.
Are flashes different from migraine?
Yes. Flashes caused by vitreous traction tend to be brief and often occur towards the side of the vision.
Migraine visual symptoms are usually different. They may appear as shimmering, zig-zag, sparkling or kaleidoscope-like patterns that gradually change or move across the visual field over several minutes.
Not every unusual visual disturbance fits neatly into one category, so if your symptoms are new or you are unsure what you are experiencing, an eye examination is recommended.
What is a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)?
A posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD, occurs when the vitreous gel separates from the retina.
When we are younger, the vitreous has a more solid gel-like structure and is attached to the retina. As we age, it gradually becomes more liquid and changes shape. Eventually, it can begin to pull away from the retina.
This separation is called a PVD.
PVD becomes increasingly common with age and may occur earlier in people who:
- are myopic or short-sighted
- have had cataract or other eye surgery
- have experienced trauma to the eye
- have certain areas where the vitreous and retina are more firmly attached
A PVD commonly causes the sudden onset of new floaters, flashes, or both.
Is a PVD dangerous?
Usually, no. A PVD itself is a common change inside the eye and does not normally require treatment. The important issue is what happens while the vitreous is separating.
In some eyes, the vitreous is more firmly attached to an area of retina. As it pulls away, this traction can occasionally:
- cause a small retinal or vitreous haemorrhage
- create a retinal tear
- lead to a retinal detachment
This is why we do not diagnose a PVD based on symptoms alone. We need to carefully examine the retina and look for any areas that require treatment.
What is a retinal tear?
A retinal tear is a small break in the retina.
During a PVD, the vitreous can sometimes remain firmly attached to one part of the retina. As the vitreous continues to move away, it can pull hard enough to create a tear.
A retinal tear may cause:
- new or increasing flashes
- a sudden shower of floaters
- dark spots
- cobwebs
- a cloud or haze in the vision
Some retinal tears cause very few symptoms.
A retinal tear does not necessarily mean the retina has detached. However, fluid can sometimes pass through the tear and underneath the retina.
For this reason, retinal tears often require prompt ophthalmology assessment and treatment, commonly with retinal laser, to reduce the risk of progression to retinal detachment.
What is a retinal detachment?
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina lifts away from the tissues underneath it.
The retina is a delicate layer of light-sensitive nerve tissue lining the back of your eye. It converts light into signals that travel along the optic nerve to your brain, allowing you to see.
The most common type of retinal detachment occurs when there is a retinal tear or hole. Fluid passes through the opening and begins to collect underneath the retina, causing it to lift away.
A retinal detachment is a sight-threatening eye emergency.
Early diagnosis and treatment provide the best opportunity to protect vision.
What does a retinal detachment feel like?
A retinal detachment is usually painless. Instead, it causes changes to your vision.
Seek urgent ophthalmology (or A&E) assessment if you notice:
- a sudden shower or significant increase in floaters
- new flashes or flashes that are becoming more frequent
- a dark shadow in your vision
- a grey or black curtain or veil coming across your vision
- new blurred or reduced vision
- loss of side or peripheral vision
- a sudden cloud of spots or cobwebs
- any sudden unexplained loss of vision
Symptoms may develop over hours or days.
Do not wait for pain. Retinal tears and retinal detachments are commonly painless.
Who is at greater risk of retinal tears or retinal detachment?
Anyone can develop a retinal tear or detachment, but risk is higher in people who:
- are short-sighted (myopic), particularly with higher levels of myopia
- have previously had a retinal tear or retinal detachment
- have certain peripheral retinal changes such as lattice degeneration
- have undergone cataract or other intraocular surgery
- have experienced significant trauma to the eye
- have a retinal detachment in the other eye
- have certain inherited or structural eye conditions
This does not mean a retinal detachment will occur — only that careful assessment of new symptoms is particularly important. This is also why routine assessments, often with dilation, are recommended in the at risk group.
How are new flashes and floaters assessed?
If your flashes or floaters are new or have suddenly changed, your optometrist will want to carefully assess the vitreous and retina. At Illume Eye Care, your assessment may include:
A detailed symptom history
We will ask when your symptoms began, whether they have changed, whether one or both eyes are affected, and whether you have noticed any shadow, curtain or change in vision.
Dilating eye drops
We usually use dilating drops to enlarge the pupil, allowing a much wider view of the peripheral retina.
Your vision may be temporarily blurred and your eyes more sensitive to light following dilation, so you may want to bring sunglasses and consider whether you will be comfortable driving afterwards.
Careful retinal examination
We examine the back and peripheral areas of the retina looking for signs of:
- posterior vitreous detachment
- retinal holes or tears
- retinal or vitreous bleeding
- areas of abnormal retinal traction
- retinal detachment
Additional retinal imaging may also be useful depending on your findings.
If we identify a retinal tear, retinal detachment or another condition requiring specialist treatment, we will arrange urgent referral to ophthalmology.
What happens if I have a PVD but my retina is healthy?
This is a very common outcome. If we find a PVD but no retinal tear or detachment, treatment is usually not required.
Flashes normally become less frequent as the vitreous finishes separating. Floaters can persist, but most people become much less aware of them over time.
However, a PVD is a dynamic process. The vitreous can continue to separate after your first examination.
This means that, although your retina may look completely healthy today, a retinal tear can occasionally develop later.
Depending on your symptoms, retinal findings and individual risk factors, we may recommend another dilated retinal examination within the following few weeks.
Most importantly, you should return immediately rather than waiting for your planned review if your symptoms change.
Will my floaters go away?
Floaters frequently become less noticeable over weeks or months.
Some move away from your central vision, while your visual system also becomes better at ignoring them.
A few floaters may remain permanently.
Longstanding floaters that have already been carefully examined and are stable are very different from a sudden shower of new floaters, which should always be assessed.
When should I contact Illume?
Contact us urgently if you develop:
- new flashes
- new floaters
- a sudden increase in existing floaters
- worsening flashes
- unexplained new blurred vision
- symptoms following an eye injury
- new symptoms after recent eye surgery
Seek immediate care if you notice:
A curtain, veil or dark shadow in your vision, loss of peripheral vision, or sudden loss of vision. During our opening hours, contact Illume Eye Care immediately.
If you cannot reach us, or these symptoms occur outside our opening hours, seek assessment through an urgent eye service or hospital Accident & Emergency department without delay.
Flashes & Floaters FAQs
Are eye floaters normal?
A few longstanding and unchanged floaters are extremely common, particularly as we get older. New floaters or a sudden increase in floaters are different and should be examined promptly to exclude a retinal tear or detachment.
Are flashes in my vision an emergency?
New flashes should be assessed promptly, particularly if they are accompanied by new floaters, blurred vision, a shadow or a curtain in the vision. Most are caused by a PVD, but examination is needed to make sure the retina is healthy.
What does a retinal detachment look like?
People commonly describe a dark shadow, grey area, veil or curtain spreading across part of their vision. Peripheral vision may disappear first. A retinal detachment can also cause sudden new floaters, flashes or blurred vision.
Is retinal detachment painful?
Usually not. Retinal detachment typically causes visual changes rather than pain.
Can a PVD cause a retinal tear?
Yes. As the vitreous separates from the retina, it can occasionally pull strongly enough to create a retinal tear. This is why new symptoms should be assessed with a dilated retinal examination.
Do I need another examination after a PVD?
Sometimes. A retinal tear can occasionally develop after the initial examination while the vitreous continues to separate. Your optometrist will advise whether follow-up is recommended based on your examination findings and risk factors.
Can retinal tears be treated?
Yes. If a retinal tear is identified before the retina detaches, an ophthalmologist can often treat the area with laser or another procedure to reduce the risk of retinal detachment.
Should I worry about old floaters?
Longstanding floaters that have not changed and have previously been assessed are usually much less concerning. However, if you notice new floaters, a sudden increase, flashes, a shadow or any change in vision, arrange urgent assessment.
Can anything help persistent eye floaters?
For many people, floaters gradually become less noticeable over time as they move away from the centre of vision and the brain becomes better at ignoring them.
For people who continue to find benign vitreous floaters bothersome after their retina has been thoroughly examined, a nutritional supplement called VitroCap®N is another option we can discuss. VitroCap®N contains a combination of:
- L-lysine
- vitamin C
- grape seed extract containing proanthocyanidins
- citrus bioflavonoids
- zinc
These nutrients have been selected for their antioxidant and anti-glycation properties and their potential role in supporting the collagen and extracellular structure of the vitreous.
What does the research show?
In the FLIES clinical trial, 61 people with symptomatic vitreous floaters were randomly assigned to take the VitroCap®N micronutrient formulation or a placebo every day for six months.
After six months, people taking the active supplement reported significantly less visual discomfort from their floaters. Researchers also measured a significant reduction in the area occupied by vitreous opacities, while no significant improvement occurred in the placebo group.
This is encouraging evidence, although VitroCap®N does not eliminate floaters in everyone, and improvement is gradual rather than immediate.
We generally suggest taking it consistently for 3–6 months before deciding whether it has been helpful.
An important distinction
VitroCap®N is intended for persistent, medically assessed vitreous floaters. It does not treat or prevent:
- a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
- a retinal tear
- a retinal detachment
If your floaters are new, have suddenly increased, or are accompanied by flashes, a shadow, curtain, loss of peripheral vision or reduced vision, you need an urgent dilated retinal examination rather than simply starting a floater supplement.
Concerned about new flashes or floaters?
Most flashes and floaters do not result in retinal detachment, but the symptoms alone cannot tell us whether the retina is healthy.
A prompt dilated eye examination allows us to look carefully at the vitreous and peripheral retina and determine whether you simply need reassurance and monitoring or urgent treatment.
If you have developed new flashes, new floaters or a sudden change in your vision, contact our team.