Eye Floaters And Flashes

Floaters, Threads And Flashes

Floaters look like tiny specks, threads or “cobwebs” drifting across your vision. Flashes are brief sparks or streaks of light, often noticed in dim light. Most floaters result from normal age-related changes in the gel inside the eye. However, sudden floaters, new flashes, or a shadow/curtain in your side vision can sometimes signal a retinal tear or detachment. Detecting these early is crucial, and should be checked urgently.

How Floaters and Flashes Develop

Inside the eye is a clear gel called the vitreous. As we age, this gel can shrink and separate from the retina (the light-sensitive layer), a normal process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Small clumps in the gel cast shadows (floaters). If the gel tugs on the retina, you may see flashes. Most PVDs are harmless; a small number can lead to a retinal tear, which can progress to retinal detachment if untreated

Factors that increase the likelihood:

• Ageing (common after 50)
• Short-sightedness (myopia)
• Past eye surgery or eye injury
• Family/personal history of retinal problems

When Is It Urgent?

Floaters often settle or become less noticeable over several weeks to months, but a sudden change warrants an examination.
Contact us the same day (or seek urgent care) if you notice:

• New or sudden floaters, especially many at once
• Flashes of light you haven’t had before
• A grey curtain/shadow in your peripheral vision
• A sudden drop in vision or crooked/wavy central vision

Can Floaters Be Prevented?

Floaters from natural ageing can’t be fully prevented. However you can reduce them with a new supplement called VitroCap N, this is available in store or on our online store.
Other ways to reduce floaters is to look after your overall eye health.
This includes UV protection, managing diabetes, avoiding eye trauma.
Having regular eye exams,helps us detect issues early and act quickly if needed.

Don’t ignore new symptoms Book Your Eye Health Assessment Today

Protect your eyes health get the right plan for comfort and clarity.

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• Eye Examinations: The first step in detecting and preventing eye disease.
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