Floaters & Flashes
Floaters & Flashes

Floaters look like small dark spots or strands that appear to float in front of your eyes. Floaters are very common and are normally harmless. They are more common if you are short sighted or as you get older.

Some people also notice they see flashes of light. These can be due to movement of the gel inside the eye.

Very occasionally, flashes or an increase in floaters can be a sign of a retinal detachment, which needs treating as soon as possible. This is more common as you get older or in people who are short sighted or have had eye surgery.

If you get the following symptoms, you should come and see us or your GP:

• A sudden increase in floaters, particularly if you also notice flashing lights.
• A new, large, floater.
• A change in floaters or flashing lights after you have had a direct blow to your eye.
• A shadow spreading across the vision of one of your eyes.

If you notice any of these symptoms, go to an eye casualty department at the hospital.

For more details - Click here to download The College of Optometrists's leaflet about Floaters and Flashes

 

(Information from http://www.college-optometrists.org )