Flashes and Floaters: When Should You Worry?
Have you ever noticed a tiny speck, cobweb, or squiggly line drifting across your vision? Those are commonly called floaters. For many people, especially as we get older, a few longstanding floaters are completely normal. What matters is when they suddenly change.
The inside of the eye contains a clear, gel-like substance called the vitreous. As we age, this gel gradually changes and becomes more liquid. Small clumps or fibers can form within it and cast shadows on the retina. You may see those shadows as dots, threads, cobwebs, circles, or squiggly
lines.
Flashes can look like a quick spark or streak of light off to the side of your vision. They can happen when the vitreous pulls on the retina. Often this occurs during a common age-related change called posterior vitreous detachment, but occasionally the pulling can create a retinal tear.
Arrange a prompt eye examination if you suddenly notice many new floaters, new flashes, a shower of small spots, a shadow or curtain over part of your vision, missing peripheral vision, or a sudden decrease in vision. A retinal tear can sometimes progress to retinal detachment, which requires urgent treatment.
A retinal tear or detachment may cause no pain at all, and the eye may look completely normal from the outside. If your vision changes suddenly, do not wait several days hoping it disappears. Getting it checked promptly can make a significant difference when a retinal problem is present.
