Changes in vision can be alarming, especially when they happen suddenly or without warning. Flashes of light, new floaters, or unexpected shifts in your eyesight are symptoms that deserve attention. At Vision One Eyecare Center, we believe it’s important for every patient to understand what these signs could mean and when to seek prompt care.

What Are Flashes and Floaters?

Floaters are small spots, strings, or cobweb-like shadows that drift through your field of vision. They are usually more noticeable when looking at a plain, bright background, such as a clear sky or a white wall. Floaters are caused by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous; the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye.
 

Flashes look like brief streaks or sparks of light in your vision, often most noticeable in the dark or when you move your eyes quickly. These occur when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls on or tugs at the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.

What Causes Flashes and Floaters?

Both flashes and floaters become more common with age, as the vitreous gel naturally shrinks and becomes more liquid. Other common causes include:
 

• Nearsightedness (myopia)

• Eye injuries

• Eye surgery or procedures

• Inflammation inside the eye

While most floaters and occasional flashes are harmless and a normal part of aging, they can sometimes be a warning sign of a more serious condition.

Understanding Sudden Vision Changes

Any sudden change in your vision should be taken seriously, especially if you notice a sudden increase in floaters (particularly when accompanied by flashes of light) the appearance of a curtain or shadow moving across your field of vision, loss of peripheral vision, or sudden blurred or distorted vision. These symptoms may be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, both of which require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

Seek urgent eye care if you experience:
 

• A sudden shower of new floaters

• Flashes of light that persist or become more frequent

• A gray or dark area in your field of vision

• A sudden, significant loss of vision

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not wait for them to resolve on their own. Contact Vision One Eyecare Center right away. Timely treatment can make a significant difference in preserving your sight.

Your Vision, Our Priority 

Flashes, floaters, and sudden vision changes should never be dismissed. While some floaters are harmless, others can be signs of serious eye conditions that require immediate attention. The best way to protect your vision is to schedule regular eye exams and report any new or sudden changes right away.

During your visit, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam and may dilate your pupils to get a better view of your retina. Imaging tests may also be used to check for retinal tears, detachment, or other conditions. Based on the findings, your doctor will recommend the best course of action.

If you are experiencing flashes, floaters, or any sudden change in vision, contact Vision One Eyecare Center for prompt eye care. Visit our office in Fort Mitchell or Dry Ridge, Kentucky. Please call (859) 267-1700 or (859) 407-7400 to book an appointment today.