Have you ever looked up at a bright sky or a white wall and suddenly seen dark spots, squiggly lines, or tiny bugs drifting across your vision? Or maybe you’ve caught a quick flash of light out of the corner of your eye, like a camera bulb going off - even when the room is dark? If so, you’re not alone. These are called floaters and flashes, and for most people over 50, they’re just a normal part of aging. But sometimes, they’re a warning sign - and waiting too long to get checked could mean risking your sight.
What Are Floaters and Flashes?
Floaters are shadows cast by tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the back of your eye. They look like specks, threads, or cobwebs that move when you move your eyes. They’re most noticeable against bright backgrounds - like a clear sky or a white screen. Flashes, on the other hand, are brief streaks or sparks of light you see without any actual light source. They often happen in your peripheral vision and can feel like a quick flicker or lightning bolt. These aren’t diseases themselves. They’re symptoms. And they’re caused by changes in the vitreous humor. As you age, the vitreous slowly shrinks and becomes more liquid. This process, called vitreous syneresis, starts around age 40-50 but becomes common after 65. When the vitreous pulls away from the retina - a condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) - it can tug on the retina, causing flashes. The clumps of collagen fibers that break loose during this process become floaters.How Common Are They?
Almost everyone will experience floaters at some point. By age 65, about 75% of people have them. Around two-thirds of people over 70 will have a posterior vitreous detachment. That means if you’re in your 70s and you’ve started seeing floaters or flashes, it’s very likely just your eyes aging normally. But here’s the catch: younger people who get these symptoms - under 50 - are more likely to have something serious going on. That could include diabetic eye disease, inflammation inside the eye (uveitis), or even trauma from an injury. If you’re 40 and suddenly see a shower of new floaters, don’t assume it’s just aging. Get it checked.When Is It Normal? When Is It Dangerous?
The biggest question people ask is: “Is this normal, or should I panic?” The answer isn’t always obvious, but there are clear red flags. If you’ve had a few floaters for years and now you notice one or two new ones, especially after looking at a bright light, it’s probably harmless. Many people adapt to them over time. The brain learns to ignore them. The Macular Disease Foundation Australia says floaters from PVD often become less noticeable within six months. But if you suddenly see:- A sudden shower of new floaters - like a handful of black dots or specks
- Repeated flashes of light, especially in the same spot, happening over seconds or minutes
- A dark curtain or shadow spreading across your vision
- A sudden drop in peripheral vision
- Benign PVD: One or two new floaters, maybe a few flashes that stop after a day or two. Vision stays clear. No shadow.
- Retinal tear or detachment: Many new floaters, persistent flashes, vision loss in part of your field. It doesn’t get better - it gets worse.
Why Do Some People Get It Sooner?
Not everyone develops PVD at the same time. Nearsighted people (myopia) tend to get it 10-15 years earlier than those with normal vision. Why? Their eyes are longer than average, which stretches the vitreous and increases traction on the retina. That makes detachment more likely at a younger age. People with diabetes are also at higher risk. High blood sugar can damage tiny blood vessels in the eye, leading to bleeding into the vitreous. That causes floaters that look like dark red spots - not just gray or black. If you have diabetes and suddenly see new floaters, it’s not just aging. It could be a hemorrhage, which increases your risk of retinal tear by up to 70%, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
What Happens During an Eye Exam?
If you go to an optometrist or ophthalmologist with new floaters or flashes, they won’t just look at your eyes with a flashlight. They’ll dilate your pupils with drops. That lets them see the entire retina - the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye - in detail. Using a special lens and bright light, they’ll check for:- Any tears or holes in the retina
- Signs of detachment - where the retina has pulled away from its normal position
- Bleeding inside the vitreous
- Other conditions like inflammation or tumors
What’s the Treatment?
If it’s just PVD - and no tear or detachment - you don’t need treatment. Most people adapt. Floaters may linger for months, even up to a year, but they usually drift out of your central vision. The brain gets better at filtering them out. If you have a retinal tear, it’s treated quickly - often in the same visit. A laser is used to seal the tear, preventing fluid from getting behind the retina and causing a detachment. In some cases, a freezing treatment (cryopexy) is used instead. If the retina has already detached, surgery is needed. Options include pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, or vitrectomy. The sooner you treat it, the better your chances of saving your vision. Studies show that when treated within days, 90% of detachment cases can be successfully repaired.What About Laser Treatment for Floaters?
You might have heard about laser therapy to zap floaters. It’s called vitreolysis, using a YAG laser to break up the clumps. But it’s not widely recommended. The American Society of Retina Specialists say the risks often outweigh the benefits. The laser can accidentally damage the retina or lens. And many floaters aren’t even in the right spot for the laser to reach them. Plus, insurance rarely covers it in the U.S. - and it’s even less common in the UK. For now, observation is still the standard. If your floaters are really bothering you after six months, talk to your eye doctor. But don’t rush into unproven treatments.
Can You Prevent Floaters and Flashes?
No. PVD is a natural part of aging. You can’t stop your vitreous from shrinking. But you can reduce your risk of complications.- Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes
- Manage high blood pressure
- Wear protective eyewear during sports or DIY projects
- Get regular eye exams - especially after 50, or if you’re nearsighted
What Should You Do Right Now?
If you’re seeing floaters or flashes for the first time:- Don’t panic - most cases are harmless
- Don’t wait - book an eye exam within 24 to 48 hours
- If you have flashes that keep coming back, or sudden vision loss - go to the eye hospital the same day
Final Thought
Floaters and flashes are common. They’re not something you need to live in fear of. But they’re also not something to ignore. Your eyes are delicate, and the retina doesn’t heal on its own. A quick exam can give you peace of mind - or catch a problem before it costs you your vision.Are floaters and flashes always a sign of something serious?
No. Most floaters and flashes are caused by posterior vitreous detachment, a normal part of aging. About 75% of people over 65 experience them. But sudden changes - like a burst of new floaters, repeated flashes, or a shadow in your vision - can signal a retinal tear or detachment, which needs urgent care.
How long do floaters last?
Floaters from a posterior vitreous detachment usually become less noticeable over time. Most people adapt within six months as the brain learns to ignore them. The clumps may settle below your line of sight. In some cases, they can last up to a year, but they rarely disappear completely - and that’s okay. They don’t harm your vision.
Can I get rid of floaters without surgery?
There’s no proven non-surgical way to remove floaters. Eye drops, supplements, and exercises won’t help. Laser treatment (vitreolysis) exists but is risky and not widely recommended. Most eye doctors advise waiting and adapting. Surgery (vitrectomy) can remove floaters, but it’s only considered if they severely interfere with daily life - and even then, only after a year or more of symptoms.
Why do flashes happen only in one eye?
Because vitreous changes happen separately in each eye. The gel inside your left eye ages independently from the right. So if you’re experiencing flashes or new floaters in just one eye, that’s normal. It’s the timing of the detachment in that specific eye. If both eyes develop symptoms at the same time, it’s less likely to be PVD and more likely to be another issue - like migraines or neurological causes - and should be checked.
Should I be worried if I’m under 50 and have floaters?
Yes. While floaters are common after 50, they’re unusual in younger people. If you’re under 50 and suddenly see new floaters or flashes, it could signal diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, trauma, or even a rare tumor. Don’t assume it’s normal. Get a dilated eye exam as soon as possible.
Can stress or screen time cause floaters?
No. Stress and screen use don’t cause floaters. However, staring at screens for long periods can make you more aware of existing floaters because your eyes are focused on bright, uniform backgrounds - making shadows more visible. It’s not the cause, just a trigger for noticing them.
What’s the difference between flashes from PVD and migraine flashes?
Migraine flashes (called scintillating scotoma) usually affect both eyes at once, appear as zigzag lines or shimmering lights, and last 10-30 minutes before fading. They often come with a headache. Flashes from PVD happen in one eye, look like brief sparks or streaks, and occur randomly - especially when moving your eyes. They don’t have a pattern and aren’t linked to headaches.
Is it safe to wait a few days to see a doctor?
If you have isolated new floaters with no flashes or vision loss, waiting 24-48 hours for an appointment is usually fine. But if you have flashes that repeat, a curtain over your vision, or sudden vision loss - go immediately. Retinal detachment can progress quickly. Early treatment saves sight.
