Arlington Heights, IL Eye Floaters and Flashes

Eye floaters are small spots, specks, cobwebs, or thread-like shapes that appear to drift across your field of vision. They are usually caused by age-related changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye and are common as people get older.

Floaters can develop for several reasons, including:

• Natural aging of the eye
• Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Eye injuries
• Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
• Diabetic eye disease
• Previous eye surgery

While many floaters are harmless, sudden changes should always be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

Flashes are brief streaks, sparks, or lightning-like lights that appear in your vision. They often occur when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina. Although flashes may be harmless, they can also be an early warning sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment.

Yes. A small number of floaters are a normal part of aging and usually do not require treatment. However, if you suddenly notice many new floaters, especially along with flashes or vision loss, you should seek prompt medical attention.

You should contact an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience:

• A sudden increase in floaters
• Flashes of light
• A curtain or shadow over your vision
• Sudden blurred or decreased vision
• Loss of peripheral vision

These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which requires urgent evaluation.

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurs when the vitreous gel naturally separates from the retina as part of the aging process. While PVD itself is usually not dangerous, it can sometimes cause retinal tears, making a dilated eye examination important whenever new symptoms develop.

Yes. Although most floaters are harmless, a sudden shower of floaters—especially when accompanied by flashes of light—may indicate a retinal tear. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.

Your ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive dilated eye examination to evaluate the vitreous, retina, and optic nerve. Additional retinal imaging or diagnostic testing may be recommended if a retinal tear or other eye condition is suspected.

Many floaters become less noticeable over time as they settle or your brain gradually adapts to them. While they may not disappear completely, most people find that they interfere less with daily vision over time.

Most floaters do not require treatment. If floaters significantly interfere with vision or are caused by an underlying retinal condition, treatment options may include monitoring, laser treatment in select cases, or vitrectomy surgery. Your ophthalmologist will determine the most appropriate approach based on your diagnosis.

Yes. If flashes are caused by a posterior vitreous detachment, they often become less frequent over time. However, because flashes can also indicate a retinal tear, any new or persistent flashes should be evaluated promptly.

You may have an increased risk if you:

• Are highly nearsighted
• Have had previous eye surgery
• Have experienced eye trauma
• Have a family history of retinal detachment
• Have previously had a retinal tear or detachment in the other eye

Routine eye care and prompt evaluation of new symptoms are especially important for higher-risk patients.

Yes. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which may cause bleeding inside the eye and the appearance of new floaters. If you have diabetes and notice sudden floaters or vision changes, you should schedule an eye examination as soon as possible.

Most longstanding floaters are not emergencies. However, a sudden onset of numerous floaters, flashes of light, or any loss of vision should be treated as an eye emergency because these symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment.

Northwest Eye Physicians provides comprehensive evaluations for patients experiencing new eye floaters, flashes, and other retinal symptoms. Using advanced diagnostic technology, their ophthalmologists can identify retinal tears, posterior vitreous detachment, and other vision-threatening conditions, allowing for prompt treatment when necessary.