Flashes and floaters in your vision are common as you age. But when are they harmless, and when are they a sign of something more serious? Here’s what your eyes could be trying to tell you.
Ever noticed quick flashes of light, even when you’re in a dimly lit room? Or maybe tiny specks drifting in your field of vision. If so, you’re not alone.
These are known as eye flashers and floaters, conditions that become more common as we age. Most of the time, they’re harmless. But in some cases, they can be a sign that something more serious is going on with your eyes.
What are eye flashes?
Seeing random sudden bursts of light can be pretty unsettling. Eye flashes like these can flicker in a corner of your eye or flash across your vision like tiny sparks. Some people might say they’re similar to “seeing stars” after they accidentally bump their head.
So what’s causing these unexpected light shows?
- Posterior vitreous detachment: Eyes flashes can occur when the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills your eyeball, pulls away from your retina. It is a natural part of ageing but can cause tugging sensations on the retina, triggering flashes of light.
- Migraines: Migraine-related flashes (also called visual auras) look more like shimmering zig-zags or geometric patterns. These often come before a migraine headache, but can also occur on their own.
What are eye floaters?
Eye floaters look like small specks, shapes or squiggly lines in your field of vision. They’re easiest to spot when you’re looking at something bright and plain, like a clear sky or a white screen.
While they seem like they’re right in front of your eye, they’re actually small clumps of cells inside the vitreous. When light enters your eye, these clumps cast shadows on your retina, which is why they look like they’re “floating”.
Common causes include:
- Ageing: As you get older, the vitreous becomes more liquid, making it easier to form clumps.
- Eye injuries or surgery: Trauma to the eye or certain procedures (like cataract surgery) can lead to floaters.
- Inflammation: This can cause debris to form in the vitreous, which can appear as floaters.
- Bleeding in the eye: This can be triggered by conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, leaving behind tiny blood cells that show up as floaters.
When should you see a doctor?
Not all flashers and floaters are a cause for concern, but there are some red flags that mean you should see a doctor, and fast:
- Blurred vision or loss of peripheral vision
- Eye pain along with visual changes
- A sudden increase in floaters or flashes
- A grey “curtain” blocking your sight
These could be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated.
What are the treatment options?
Most people don’t need treatment for flashes and floaters. They usually fade or become less noticeable over time. Flashes linked to posterior vitreous detachment also usually settle without intervention.
However, if your floaters are severe – such as obstructing your central vision or making daily activities difficult – it may be time to consider medical treatment.
YAG Laser Vitreolysis
This is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that uses a specialised laser (YAG laser) to break up the floaters into smaller, less noticeable fragments. The goal is to reduce the shadow they cast on the retina, thereby improving visual clarity.
The laser is precisely targeted at the floaters within the vitreous gel, avoiding damage to surrounding eye structures. Most patients report a mild to moderate improvement in symptoms, although results can vary.
“The outcome is variable as some patients benefit from the procedure whilst some do not,” explains Dr Goh Kong Yong, ophthalmologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate. The location, size, and type of floaters all affect whether laser treatment will work. The ophthalmologist will assess your eye thoroughly before recommending this option.
Vitrectomy
For more serious cases, a vitrectomy may be recommended. This is a surgical procedure where the vitreous gel (together with the floaters) is removed from the eye and replaced with a clear solution.
Vitrectomy is typically reserved for patients whose vision is significantly affected and who have not responded to other treatments. As it is an invasive procedure, it carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, and retinal detachment. As with any surgery, the benefits need to be carefully weighed against the risks.
Protecting your vision
You can’t stop ageing, but you can take steps to keep your eyes in better shape:
- Get regular eye check-ups, especially if you’re over 50
- Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Eat foods rich in nutrients that support eye health
Read more: Boost Your Sight With These 5 Supplements for Eye Health
Your eyesight is precious. While floaters and flashes might be an occasional annoyance, it’s good to know when to take them seriously. Pay attention to your symptoms and seek help early!
References
- Eye floaters. Mayo Clinic. Updated: 2 July 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eye-floaters/symptoms-causes/syc-20372346
- Understand more about floaters and flashes. Singapore National Eye Centre. https://www.snec.com.sg/patient-care/conditionstreatments/eye-conditions-brochures/Documents/EN_Floaters%20and%20Flashes.pdf
- Floaters and flashes. National University Health System. https://www.nuhs.edu.sg/patient-care/find-a-condition/floaters-and-flashes
- Floaters and flashes in the eyes. National Health Service. Updated: 20 June 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/floaters-and-flashes-in-the-eyes/
- What are floaters and flashes? American Academy of Ophthalmology. Updated: 24 October 2024. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-floaters-flashes
- Floaters. National Eye Institute. Updated: 4 December 2024. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/floaters
- Vitreous Detachment. National Eye Institute. Updated: 4 December 2024. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/vitreous-detachment
- Aqueous Humor & Vitreous Humor. Cleveland Clinic. Updated: 27 December 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24611-aqueous-humor-vitreous-humor
- Retina. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Updated: 8 September 2020. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/retina-103
- Migraine. Mayo Clinic. Updated: 7 July 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201
- Seeing Specks or Flashes of Light? Here’s Why. Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Updated: 16 October 2020. https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/health-plus/article/seeing-specks-or-flashes-of-light-here-s-why
