Flashes and floaters are part of a group of sensations, perceptions, or images of things that appear to be happening in front of the eye.
Though appearing as more or less opaque specks or threads moving around in front of you, floaters are actually inside the eye. Typical floaters are made up of debris in the vitreous gel , however, in pathological conditions the floaters can be white or red blood cells, calcium, lipid or other materials. While attention–getting and mildly bothersome at first, floaters usually fade away and become less noticeable. While often harmless, the sudden onset of new or worsening floaters may indicate a serious condition and you should see your ophthalmologist immediately.
Flashes appear as sudden white streaks of light within the eye. Flashes, particularly if accompanied by floaters or a noticeable reduction in vision (often described as cloud–like or like a curtain), can be more serious and is sometimes associated with a retinal tear or retinal detachment.
Floaters and flashes can occur at any age, but get more common with advancing age. In general, floaters do not require any special treatment, unless they become particularly bothersome. However, any change in floaters can be associated with a retinal tear or detachment and this symptom warrants a timely examination.
Although flashes and floaters are more often a nuisance than an actual problem, due to the possibility of a serious condition developing, such as a retinal tear or detachment, a timely examination and possibly urgent laser or surgical repair can take care of the problem.
