Have you ever noticed tiny specks, threads, or flashes of light drifting through your vision, especially when looking at a bright sky or a blank wall? For many people, floaters and flashes are a common part of the visual experience. But in some cases, they can be a warning sign of a more serious issue, like retinal detachment.
At Center for Excellence in Eye Care in Miami, we’re committed to helping our patients protect their vision with expert evaluation and advanced care. Understanding what causes floaters and flashes, and when to seek medical attention, is a vital step in maintaining lifelong eye health.
What Are Floaters and Flashes?
Floaters appear as shadowy specks, strings, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision. They’re especially noticeable when looking at bright, uniform backgrounds, like a clear sky or a computer screen.
Flashes are brief flickers or bursts of light that may look like lightning streaks or camera flashes. They’re often more noticeable in dim lighting or when you move your eyes quickly.
While floaters and flashes are usually harmless, they originate from inside the eye, and can be an early signal that something deeper needs attention.
Common Causes of Floaters and Flashes
Most floaters and flashes are caused by natural age-related changes in the eye’s vitreous gel, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye.
As we age, the vitreous begins to shrink and pull away from the retina. This process is known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and is quite common after age 50. Floaters can occur when tiny clumps or strands form within the vitreous, casting shadows on the retina. Flashes often result from the vitreous tugging on the light-sensitive retina.
Other potential causes include:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
- Post-surgical changes after cataract surgery or laser procedures
- Retinal tears or detachment (a medical emergency)
When Are Floaters and Flashes a Cause for Concern?
In most cases, floaters and flashes are benign. However, sudden onset or significant increase in floaters and/or flashes—especially when accompanied by other symptoms—should never be ignored.
Seek immediate attention if you experience:
- A sudden shower of new floaters
- Bright flashes that persist or increase
- A dark shadow or curtain across part of your vision
- A sudden loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Any rapid or significant vision loss
These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Understanding Retinal Detachment
The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that captures light and sends visual signals to your brain. If the retina tears or pulls away from the underlying tissue, it loses access to essential oxygen and nutrients. Without prompt treatment, this detachment can lead to irreversible vision loss.
There are three main types of retinal detachment:
- Rhegmatogenous: Caused by a tear or break in the retina, often triggered by vitreous pulling.
- Tractional: Occurs when scar tissue pulls the retina away, often seen in people with diabetic eye disease.
- Exudative: Caused by fluid buildup under the retina due to conditions like inflammation or macular degeneration.
Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
How We Diagnose and Treat Retinal Conditions
At our Center for Excellence in Eye Care offices, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to detect retinal issues at the earliest stage. If you report floaters, flashes, or changes in your vision, we may perform:
- Dilated eye exam: To view the retina and vitreous in detail
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): For high-resolution imaging of retinal layers
- Ultrasound imaging: When the view of the retina is obscured
- Fluorescein angiography: To assess blood flow in the retina and detect leaks or damage
If a retinal tear is found before detachment occurs, laser treatment or cryotherapy (a freezing technique) may be used to seal the tear and prevent further damage.
If detachment has already occurred, surgical options may include:
- Pneumatic retinopexy: Injecting a gas bubble to press the retina back into place
- Vitrectomy: Removing the vitreous gel and replacing it with a saline solution
- Scleral buckle: Placing a flexible band around the eye to relieve pressure on the retina
Our experienced retina specialists are leaders in their field, providing comprehensive care with the most advanced surgical techniques available.
Why Choose Us for Retinal and Vision Care?
We combine compassionate care with cutting-edge technology to deliver the highest standard of ophthalmic treatment in South Florida. Patients trust us because:
✅ We act fast, prioritizing urgent symptoms like floaters and flashes
✅ We invest in world-class diagnostic imaging
✅ Our retina specialists are board-certified experts with decades of experience
✅ We customize plans to your condition and lifestyle
✅ We support you every step of the way, from diagnosis through recovery
Whether you’re experiencing subtle visual changes or a sudden symptom flare-up, we’re here to help you see clearly—and protect your sight for the long term.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Vision Today
While occasional floaters or flashes are usually nothing to fear, staying informed and proactive can make all the difference. If something doesn’t seem right with your vision, trust your instincts—and let our expert team take a closer look.Your sight is precious. Let’s protect it—together. Book a retinal evaluation today with us at Center for Excellence in Eye Care.
