Flashes & Floaters

What are Flashes and Floaters?

Floaters are small specks or dots that can be seen in your vision. Flashes are commonly caused as the gel in the back of the eye begins to separate from the retina. Separation of the gel is a normal aging process. Some people have abnormal points of adherence of the gel to the retina and as the gel separates it creates a tear in the retina rather than separating.

When there is a sudden onset of these symptoms a prompt evaluation by and eye care professional is in order. These symptoms are not a definite indicator of a retinal tear or detachment but evaluation is necessary to rule out the possibility.