Symptom

Flashes and floaters

Other ways people describe this: flashing lights · floating spots

A sudden increase is an emergency

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When to get urgent help

  • A sudden increase in floaters, like a shower of spots
  • New or repeated flashes of light
  • A dark shadow or curtain spreading across your vision
  • A sudden drop in vision

References for this section: NHS — Floaters and flashes in the eyesNational Eye Institute - Floaters

Common causes

Flashes and floaters relate to the back of the eye. These are the key conditions to read about next.

Floaters and flashesUsually harmless, age-related changes in the eye's gel.Posterior vitreous detachmentWhen the gel separates from the retina; common with age and often causes new floaters and flashes.Retinal tearA tear in the retina can cause a sudden increase in floaters and flashes before detachment.Retinal detachmentA sudden increase with a shadow is an emergency needing same-day care.Vitreous haemorrhageBleeding into the gel can cause a sudden shower of dark floaters and reduced vision.Lattice degenerationThinning at the retina edge increases tear risk, especially with new floaters.

What can help

  • Stable, long-standing floaters usually need no treatment
  • Treat any sudden change as an emergency
  • Have an eye test if floaters bother you or change

Frequently asked questions

Are flashes and floaters serious?

Occasional floaters are usually harmless, but a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, or a shadow over your vision, needs same-day assessment to rule out retinal detachment.

What causes flashes of light in the eye?

Flashes often happen when the eye's gel tugs on the retina. New or repeated flashes should be checked promptly.

Do floaters go away?

Long-standing floaters often become less noticeable over time. A sudden change, however, should be assessed urgently.

Your next step

Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

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Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

Sources and evidence →