Flashes and Floaters in Vision: When to Get Your Eyes Checked
Have you ever noticed tiny spots, squiggly lines, or flashes of light in your vision? You’re not alone, many people experience flashes and floaters at some point in their lives.
Most of the time, they’re completely harmless and a normal part of ageing. But sometimes, they can be an early warning sign of a more serious problem that needs urgent attention.
At Bright Eyes Optics in Mona Vale, we help patients understand what’s normal and when it’s time to get checked.
Here’s everything you need to know about flashes and floaters in your vision.
What Are Floaters?
Floaters are small, shadowy shapes that drift across your vision, often described as spots, cobwebs, threads, or squiggly lines.
They’re caused by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous — the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. These clumps cast shadows on your retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye), which is what you see moving around when you look at a plain background like the sky or a white wall.
Floaters are very common and tend to increase with age as the vitreous naturally becomes more liquid.
What Are Flashes?
Flashes appear as brief bursts or streaks of light, like seeing a camera flash or lightning flicker in your peripheral vision.
They occur when the vitreous gel tugs or pulls on the retina, stimulating the light-sensitive cells. Occasional flashes can be normal, especially as we get older.
However, frequent or sudden flashes should never be ignored, as they may indicate that the retina is being pulled or torn.
Common Causes of Flashes and Floaters
Most flashes and floaters are related to natural changes inside the eye that occur with ageing:
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): This happens when the vitreous gel separates from the retina. It’s a normal age-related change that usually doesn’t cause permanent damage — but it can occasionally lead to retinal tears.
Myopia (short-sightedness): People who are highly myopic are more prone to floaters and retinal issues.
Eye injury or trauma: A knock or impact to the eye can cause sudden floaters or flashes.
Eye inflammation or bleeding: Less commonly, conditions inside the eye can cause debris or cells to appear as floaters.
When to See an Optometrist Urgently
While occasional floaters are usually harmless, you should book an eye examination immediately if you experience:
A sudden increase in floaters
Flashes of light that appear repeatedly or don’t go away
A dark shadow or curtain moving across your vision
Sudden blurred or distorted vision
Loss of peripheral (side) vision
These symptoms can be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent vision loss.
At Bright Eyes Optics, our optometrists use advanced retinal imaging and ultra-wide field technology to examine the back of your eye in detail, often without the need for dilating drops. This allows us to detect even the smallest retinal changes early.
What to Expect During an Eye Exam for Flashes or Floaters
If you come in for a flashes or floaters check, we’ll:
Take a detailed history of your symptoms
Perform a comprehensive retinal examination using advanced ultra wide imaging
Check for any signs of retinal tears, detachment, or bleeding
Discuss your results and recommend the best next steps
In most cases, floaters are harmless and simply monitored over time. But if we detect a retinal tear or detachment, we’ll refer you promptly to an eye specialist for treatment.
Can Floaters Go Away?
Over time, floaters often become less noticeable as they settle lower in the eye or your brain learns to ignore them. However, if they suddenly increase or change in appearance, it’s always safest to have your eyes checked.
Protecting Your Vision
Even if your flashes and floaters turn out to be harmless, it’s a great reminder to keep up with regular eye exams. These checks help ensure your retina and overall eye health remain in top condition.
At Bright Eyes Optics, we’re committed to helping our patients protect their vision with the latest diagnostic technology and compassionate, personalised care.
Book Your Eye Exam in Mona Vale
If you’ve noticed new flashes or floaters, don’t wait, book an eye exam today at Bright Eyes Optics.
We’ll assess your eyes thoroughly, give you peace of mind, and help keep your vision safe and clear for years to come.