Retina
What do flashes and floaters mean?
Floaters are shadows cast by strands in the jelly inside the eye and are usually harmless, especially when long standing. New flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters can mean the jelly is pulling away from the retina, which occasionally tears it. Any new flashes, shower of floaters or shadow in the vision needs assessment within a day or two.
Where floaters come from
The eye is filled with a clear jelly called the vitreous. With age it becomes more liquid and its fibres clump together, casting shadows that drift across your vision as dots, threads or cobwebs. They are most obvious against a bright plain background such as a white wall or the sky.
As the jelly shrinks it eventually separates from the retina. This is a normal ageing change, but as it pulls away it tugs on the retina, which the eye registers as brief arcs or flashes of light, often noticed in dim conditions.
Why new symptoms are checked
In a small number of people the pulling jelly tears the retina. A tear allows fluid under the retina and can lead to a retinal detachment, which threatens sight and needs surgery. A tear found early can often be sealed with laser in clinic, which is why prompt examination matters even though most cases turn out to be harmless.
What the examination involves
Your pupils are dilated and the whole retina, including its outer edges, is examined with a lens at the slit lamp. This is the only way to see a small tear. If nothing is found, you may be asked to return after a few weeks or sooner if symptoms change.
When to seek urgent assessment
- A sudden shower of many new floaters
- Flashing lights that keep recurring, particularly in dim light
- A dark shadow, curtain or veil coming in from any side of your vision
- Any sudden reduction in vision
Frequently asked questions
- Will my floaters go away?
- They usually become less noticeable over months as the brain learns to ignore them, although they often do not disappear completely.
- Are floaters caused by looking at screens?
- No. Screens can cause tired, dry eyes but they do not create floaters, which come from changes in the jelly inside the eye.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
Care at Standard Eye
Related answers
- What is a retinal tear and how is it treated?
- What is a retinal detachment?
- What is an OCT scan of the retina?
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