Retinal
Eye Floaters & Flashes — When to Worry
Floaters and flashes are usually benign — but can signal serious retinal conditions. New, sudden, or significant floaters require prompt evaluation to rule out retinal tear or detachment.
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Signs & Symptoms
- Small dark spots, strings, or cobwebs in vision
- Floaters moving with eye movement
- Flashes of light (photopsia)
- Sudden increase in floaters — requires urgent evaluation
- Shadow in peripheral vision — requires emergency evaluation
What Causes This?
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — most common benign cause, age-related
- Retinal tear — vitreous traction tearing the retina
- Retinal detachment — emergency
- Vitreous hemorrhage — bleeding into the vitreous
Treatment Options
Observation
Most floaters from PVD require only reassurance and monitoring.
Urgent Evaluation for New Floaters
Sudden increase in floaters or flashes requires same-day dilated examination to rule out retinal tear.
Laser or Surgery
Retinal tears treated with laser; detachments require surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call about new floaters immediately?
Sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow/curtain in your vision are warning signs of retinal tear or detachment — call immediately for same-day evaluation.
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Concerned About Your Eye Health?
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Kentaro Yamada, M.D. at Hillcrest Eye Care.