Eye Floaters & Flashes2022-03-07T10:31:07+00:00

Floaters and flashes are small specks and bursts of light in your vision

If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, accompanied by flashes we can help you

Floaters and flashes are small specks and bursts of light in your vision

If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, accompanied by flashes we can help you

New floaters and spots in your vision could indicate a sight-threatening condition

Discover more about these symptoms and next steps

Floaters and flashes incidence / prevalence

Floaters and spots in your vision are usually harmless, but if they occur suddenly, you should seek medical attention.

Lots of people see floaters or black spots in their vision. If you have had floaters for some time, there is generally no need to worry. But if you encounter a sudden increase in floaters, or begin to see flashes in your vision, you should see an eye specialist straight away.

They are caused by an irregularity in the vitreous ‘gel’ that fills your eye. The irregularity casts a shadow onto your retina, blocking small areas of your vision, which you perceive as floaters. Floaters occur naturally as the vitreous gel within your eye thickens or shrinks with age, causing clumps or strands to form. In most cases, floaters are completely harmless, if a little irritating.

In some cases, the shrinking vitreous gel can pull on the retina (the focusing surface at the back of your eye). If this occurs, it can cause a tear in the retina or even detach the retina. This is usually accompanied by a sudden increase in floaters, and sometimes flashes in your vision as well. If you encounter any of these symptoms see an eye specialist immediately.

The flashing lights that we are concerned about are off to the side and only last a second or so. They are usually most noticeable at night, but you may also see them during the day. They are called Moore’s lightening streaks.

As the vitreous ‘gel’ within your eye shrinks, it may pull on the retina (the focusing surface at the back of your eye) and this can cause these flashes of light in your vision to occur.

A retinal tear or detached retina is a serious and potentially sight-threatening condition. It’s therefore essential to seek medical attention as quickly as possible if you encounter flashes in your vision, particularly if they are accompanied by a sudden increase in floaters.

Most floaters are harmless, and don’t require any treatment. However, if you suffer from floaters that seriously affect your vision, they can be removed with a vitrectomy – surgery to remove some or all of the vitreous humour from the eye. Retinal detachment, on the other hand, is a serious condition, and retinal detachment surgery should be carried out as a matter of urgency by a skilled surgeon.

Take this quick quiz to discover if you can escape the hassle of reading glasses

After the age of 45, many people find reading glasses frustrating. Take this quick 2-min quiz to find out which type of eye surgery could help you to turn back the clock on your eyes.

Does poor vision or the limitations of glasses or contact lenses hold you back?

Choose the option below that sounds most like you to discover your best solution

Do your glasses and contacts get in your way or make you feel uncomfortable?

Do you feel a bit meh when wearing glasses or when your eyes feel dry from your contact lenses? Perhaps poor vision and the inconvenience of glasses and contacts stops you from participating in certain activities you enjoy or even simply enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes around you. Laser eye surgery could be the answer.

LEARN MORE

Are you struggling with the hassle of reading glasses?

Whether you’re new to reading glasses or have worn them your whole life, it doesn’t take long to notice how annoying they can sometimes be. Before you know it, there’s a pair of readers everywhere you look; around your neck, in your pockets, and in every room of the house. But when you need them, they’re nowhere to be found. Restore your vision (and avoid future cataract surgery too).

LEARN MORE

Is your vision becoming cloudy, blurry and dull or have you been diagnosed with cataracts?

When your glasses are no longer effective, your quality of life is impacted. At first, you might be able to muddle by. But as your vision deteriorates, your ability to function as you normally would is needlessly compromised. With modern cataract surgery, you have the choice to quickly and easily improve your vision (and even reduce your dependence on glasses).

LEARN MORE

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Book an appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Book an appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Book an appointment
Gain visual freedom in 3 easy steps

Eye treatment options can be confusing. We’ve made the journey as straightforward as can be

1. Get in touch

The first step is to call us so we can answer any questions we can on the phone. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 99 2020 or request a call back from us.

2. We’ll meet

At your consultation, we’ll diagnose your issues, answer your questions and give you a clear recommendation based on your needs. You’ll confidently leave with a clear understanding of your treatment options.

3. Enjoy clarity

After treatment, people often tell us how pleased they were that they took action when they did. They’re often so glad that they reached out so that we could address their concerns and help them resolve their troublesome eye condition.

Watch the best patient education videos on eye treatment in New Zealand

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about gaining visual freedom

Additional resources on eye floaters and flashes

Learn more about treating eye floaters and flashes from authoritative sources.

Dots and lines (floaters) or flashes of light in your vision are common. They’re not usually serious.

If you sometimes see:

  • Floaters – such as small dark dots, squiggly lines, rings or cobwebs
  • Flashes of light in your vision, it’s not usually a sign of anything serious

especially if:

  • You’ve had them for a long time
  • They’re not getting worse
  • Your vision is not affected

Flashes may eventually stop, and floaters often become less noticeable as you get used to them. Click here to read more.

What Are Floaters?

Floaters look like small specks, dots, circles, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision. While they seem to be in front of your eye, they are floating inside. Floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous that fills your eye. What you see are the shadows these clumps cast on your retina.

What Are Flashes?

Flashes can look like flashing lights or lightning streaks in your field of vision. Some people compare them to seeing “stars” after being hit on the head. You might see flashes on and off for weeks, or even months. Flashes happen when the vitreous rubs or pulls on your retina. Click here to read more.

Flashes and floaters are more common in older people, people who are short-sighted and in people who have had eye surgery. Click here to read more.

Note: These links will take you off our website

OUR LOCATIONS
Our Locations
OUR POPULAR PROCEDURES
TAKE A STEP TO FREEDOM

Discover if you could be free from the hassle of glasses and contacts.

Take the first step by getting your free laser suitability assessment to check if your eyes are suitable and which treatment option is right for your eyes.

© Eye Institute | Privacy and Cookie Policy | Website by LiveseySolar

Go to Top