Are Floaters and Flashes in Your Vision Normal?

Floaters and flashes are common vision symptoms, but they should not be ignored. Floaters often look like small dots, strands, cobwebs, or shadowy spots that drift across your vision. They may move when you move your eyes and can be more noticeable when looking at a bright wall, clear sky, or computer screen.

Flashes are different. They may look like quick sparks, streaks of light, or camera-like flashes in the side of your vision. Some people notice them more in dim lighting or when turning their eyes quickly. While occasional floaters can happen with age, new or sudden floaters and flashes may be a sign that the retina needs attention.

Why Floaters Happen

Inside the eye is a gel-like substance called the vitreous. As we age, this gel naturally changes and can pull away from the retina. This process can cause floaters to appear. In many cases, floaters are harmless and become less noticeable over time.

However, floaters can also develop after eye injury, inflammation, bleeding inside the eye, or retinal changes. Because the symptoms can look similar at first, a comprehensive eye exam is the safest way to understand what is causing them.

When Flashes Can Be A Concern

Flashes may happen when the vitreous pulls on the retina. Sometimes this pulling is mild, but in other cases, it can lead to a retinal tear or retinal detachment. These conditions require prompt care because they can threaten vision if left untreated.

You should schedule an eye evaluation as soon as possible if you notice:

• A sudden increase in floaters
• New flashes of light
• A dark shadow or curtain in your side vision
• Blurry or distorted vision along with floaters or flashes
• Symptoms after an eye injury

These signs do not always mean something serious is happening, but they are important enough to be checked quickly.

Are Floaters Ever Normal?

Some floaters can be a normal part of aging, especially if they have been present for a long time and are not changing. Many people learn to tune them out, and they may become less distracting. Still, any new floater, sudden change, or increase in floaters should be examined.

At Serenity Eye Care, we evaluate eye health carefully to help determine whether floaters are related to normal vitreous changes or a condition that needs further treatment. A dilated eye exam allows the doctor to look at the retina and surrounding structures more closely.

What To Expect During An Eye Exam

During an exam for floaters and flashes, your optometrist may ask when the symptoms started, whether they are getting worse, and if you have noticed any shadows, vision loss, or pain. Your eyes may be dilated so the retina can be thoroughly checked.

This type of exam is important because retinal problems are not always painful. You may feel fine while still having changes inside the eye that need timely care. Early detection gives your eye doctor the best opportunity to protect your sight and recommend the right next steps.

Protecting Your Vision Starts With Paying Attention

Floaters and flashes are not always emergencies, but they are symptoms worth taking seriously. If they are new, sudden, or increasing, do not wait to see if they go away on their own. A prompt eye exam can provide peace of mind and help protect your long-term vision.

If you are experiencing floaters and flashes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Serenity Eye Care.  Contact our offices in Spokane or Spokane Valley, WA, by calling (509) 795-2289 or (509) 608-3921 to book an appointment today.