Flashes and Floaters
What are Flashes and Floaters?
Floaters are small, semi-transparent specks or clouds that appear to float in your field of vision. They can be various shapes, such as dots, lines, or cobweb-like strands, and they may seem to drift or move when you try to focus on them. Floaters are typically more noticeable when you look at a plain background, such as a blank wall or a clear sky.
Floaters are caused by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. As we age, the vitreous gel can shrink and become more liquid, causing it to pull away from the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). As the vitreous pulls away, it can sometimes cast shadows on the retina, which appear as floaters.
While floaters are common and can be harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious eye condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment. If you suddenly notice a significant increase in floaters, flashes of light in your peripheral vision, or a curtain-like shadow moving across your field of vision, it’s important to see a retina specialist promptly.
