Many people at some times in their lives notice Floaters in one or both eyes. These are perceived small spots or strands that seem to drift in the field of gaze, traveling rapidly with eye movements and then floating slowly when eye movements cease. Floaters are most readily seen against background such as well-illuminated reading material.

Light Flashes may be seen in conjunction with floaters, or may occur separately. Unlike floaters, light flashes (photopsias) are typically perceived in subdued lighting or even total darkness. Photopsias range from minimal light twinkles to flashes that are bright enough to suggest a neon sign or camera flash.

Most occurrences of floaters or light flashes relate to changes in the jelly-like substance called vitreous which fills approximately eighty percent of the eye. The vitreous is transparent and has a solid consistency not unlike gelatin. As we grow older, the vitreous undergoes a normal aging process becoming more liquid and less jelly-like. Often the partially liquefied vitreous will abruptly “collect” inside the eye causing a shower of floaters to appear. These floaters are aggregates of protein that have formed in the vitreous during the liquefaction process. When the vitreous collapses, it becomes separate from the retina. The mechanical pull of the vitreous on the retina during this separation causes light flashes. Sometimes during this separation process, a retinal tear is caused and this can lead to a retinal detachment. Often when a retinal tear occurs, at least a small amount of blood is present in the vitreous and may be noted by the patient as a multitude of very small floaters and hazy decrease in vision.

The sudden onset of flashes or floaters can be an important warning signal of impeding problems. Approximately one person in ten who develops the abrupt onset of prominent floaters or light flashes in an eye will be found to have a retinal tear on careful ophthalmoscopic examination. Retinal tears can often be treated with laser or freezing methods if a beginning retinal detachment is not present.

Most people who experience floaters or flashes of light do not develop severe retinal problems. In most cases, the floaters and flashes gradually subside over a period of time with no permanent change in vision. Since flashes and floaters can, however, be an important warning of a retinal tear or impending retinal detachment, their appearance is of sufficient concern to warrant careful evaluation by your ophthalmologist.