Have you ever been watching TV or walking your dog and noticed that there were suddenly black spots or flashes of light in your vision? This visual phenomenon can be startling, but in most cases, it isn’t cause for concern.
Still, it’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not. In rare instances, flashes and floaters can be signs of more serious eye problems. Learning about these symptoms can provide peace of mind and help you know when prompt action is essential.
At Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our team often help patients experiencing flashes and floaters. Here, we explain why these issues occur, when to see an optometrist, and how to monitor symptoms at home.
Flashes and floaters are commonly mentioned together, but they aren’t the same:
Floaters are small black dots, specks, or cobweb-like structures that appear in your field of vision. While it often looks like they’re outside in the environment, they’re actually clumps of cells inside the vitreous, a clear gel-like substance that fills the eyes. Sometimes, these clumps cast shadows on the retina at the back of your eye, resulting in floaters.
Flashes look like flashing lights in your field of vision. They’re similar to the sensation you experience when taking a picture with a flash camera or accidentally looking at the sun. Like floaters, flashes tend to resolve on their own, but they may persist for days or months. Flashes occur when the vitreous rubs against or pulls on your retina.
Most people experience flashes or floaters at one time or another, usually due to age-related changes or trauma. However, certain signs may warrant prompt evaluation at our office.
Visit your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office immediately if you experience:
Though rare, these symptoms may indicate a serious eye problem, such as a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate care. Even if you suspect your symptoms are nothing to worry about, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Without treatment, retinal tears and detachments can lead to permanent vision loss.
After discussing your symptoms, reviewing your health history, and completing an eye exam, Dr. Demirjian can identify the cause of your floaters or flashes and recommend personalized care.
Many times, floaters and flashes happen suddenly and resolve quickly. In such cases, they’re most likely due to age-related changes, eye strain, or refractive errors like nearsightedness. However, if you don’t track your symptoms, it can be hard to know when to worry.
If you regularly experience flashes and floaters, keep a record of their occurrence. Whenever they happen, note the time, how you’re feeling, and what you’re doing. Over time, you may notice patterns that help you manage them. Alternatively, if you notice many floaters or flashes out of the blue, contact us right away.
If you’re worried about floaters or flashes, the best thing you can do is request an eye exam ASAP. We can check for underlying eye disease and help keep your vision sharp.
Schedule an appointment online or over the phone at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.