A few floaters drifting across your vision are usually harmless. But a sudden increase in floaters, especially paired with flashes of light, can be an early warning sign of a retinal emergency — and knowing the difference can protect your vision.

What Are Floaters?

Floaters are small specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision. They're caused by tiny clumps of the gel-like vitreous inside your eye casting shadows on the retina. Floaters become more common with age as the vitreous naturally changes consistency and can partially separate from the retina (a normal process called posterior vitreous detachment).

What Are Flashes?

Flashes appear as brief streaks or sparks of light, often in your peripheral vision, and can occur even with your eyes closed. They happen when the vitreous tugs on the retina, stimulating it to send a "light" signal to the brain even though no actual light is involved.

When These Are Normal

A stable, small number of floaters that don't change much over time is common and usually not concerning, especially in patients over 50 or those who are nearsighted.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek same-day evaluation if you experience:

• A sudden shower or significant increase in new floaters
• New flashes of light, especially repeated or persistent ones
• A shadow or curtain effect across part of your vision
• Sudden blurred or reduced vision alongside floaters or flashes

These symptoms together can indicate a retinal tear or detachment — a genuine eye emergency. Retinal tears can sometimes be treated in the office with laser to prevent progression to a full detachment, but timing matters significantly; delaying care increases the risk of needing more invasive surgery and losing permanent vision.

Who's at Higher Risk

• People who are significantly nearsighted
• Those who've had cataract surgery
• Anyone with a personal or family history of retinal detachment
• People who've experienced significant eye trauma

The Bottom Line

Occasional, stable floaters are usually nothing to worry about. A sudden change — more floaters, new flashes, or a shadow in your vision — deserves same-day attention, not a wait-and-see approach.

Experiencing new flashes or a sudden increase in floaters? Contact our office right away for an urgent evaluation.