A few small specks drifting through your vision may be harmless. A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light or a dark curtain across your sight may not be.

These symptoms can sometimes indicate a retinal tear or detachment—an eye emergency that requires urgent assessment.

There may be no pain, which makes it especially important to recognize the visual warning signs.

What are floaters?

Floaters are small shapes that appear to move through your field of vision. They may look like:

  • Dots or specks
  • Threads
  • Cobwebs
  • Small rings
  • Dark shadows

Floaters are actually tiny clumps or strands within the vitreous—the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. What you see is the shadow they cast on the retina.

They are often most noticeable when looking at a bright, plain background such as a clear sky, white wall or computer screen.

Many people have a few longstanding floaters that change very little over time. Those are usually less concerning than a sudden increase or an entirely new group of floaters.

What causes flashes?

Flashes may look like brief sparks, streaks or arcs of light, often near the edge of your vision.

They can occur when the vitreous shifts and pulls on the retina. This becomes more common as the vitreous changes with age and begins to separate from the back of the eye.

In many cases, this process does not cause lasting damage. Occasionally, however, the pulling can tear the retina.

Know the warning signs

Contact an optometrist or seek emergency eye care immediately if you notice:

  • A sudden increase in floaters
  • A shower of new dots or specks
  • New or repeated flashes of light
  • A dark curtain, veil or shadow moving across your vision
  • Missing side vision
  • A sudden decrease in vision
  • Flashes or floaters following an eye injury

These symptoms are particularly concerning when they begin suddenly or occur in only one eye.

Do not wait for them to disappear on their own. Early symptoms may come and go even when a retinal problem is present.

Who has a greater risk?

A retinal tear or detachment can happen to anyone, but risk may be higher if you:

  • Are very nearsighted
  • Have previously had cataract or other eye surgery
  • Have experienced a significant eye injury
  • Have had a retinal tear or detachment in the other eye
  • Have a family history of retinal detachment
  • Have certain retinal conditions

Age also matters because the vitreous naturally changes over time.

How is the retina checked?

Your optometrist will usually dilate your pupils to examine the retina and look for a tear, hole or detachment. Additional imaging or referral to an ophthalmologist may be required depending on what is found.

A retinal detachment happens when the retina separates from the tissue beneath it. Without timely treatment, it can cause permanent vision loss.

Most floaters are not emergencies—but you cannot determine that safely by appearance alone when they are sudden or new.

If your vision changes quickly, treat it seriously. When it comes to the retina, having the eye checked promptly can make an important difference.

Experiencing new flashes, floaters or a curtain over your vision? Contact Dr. Amy Bakelaar’s Spruce Grove office immediately or seek emergency eye care.