Floaters are small specks, dots, lines or cobwebs that many people see moving in their field of vision. They are caused by small clumps of hardened jelly in the vitreous, the normally clear jelly-like material inside the eye. They are usually part of the aging process and are particularly common in nearsighted people and after cataract surgery. Floaters may be annoying but are usually of little significance.

Flashes resemble lightning bolts or camera flashes. They are sudden quick bursts of light in one eye at a time. Sometimes they are of little significance, but if you experience occasional flashes you should monitor your vision for any additional symptoms – floaters, vision loss or vision changes. If they are more than “occasional” they should be checked out by us promptly.

As we age, the vitreous jelly sometimes pulls or tugs on the retina (the seeing membrane inside the eye). When this jelly pulls away from the retina it is called “vitreous detachment” and it may be associated with sudden appearance of large number of floaters and/or flashes. Unlike “retinal detachment” which may result in blindness, vitreous detachment is usually harmless and needs no treatment. However, since initial symptoms are similar and retinal detachment sometimes follows vitreous detachment you should be checked promptly if you experience a sudden onset of floaters and/or flashes.