Flashes & Floaters

You may sometimes see small specks moving in your field of vision. These are called floaters. You may often see them when looking at a plain background, such as a blank wall or blue sky. They will appear to move as you move your eyes. They are called "floaters."

 

Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells in the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the back chamber in your eye.

 

When floaters first appear, they may be accompanied by what appears to be flashes of light. These are most easily seen when in the dark.

 

New floaters or more floaters can be caused by shrinking of the vitreous gel away from the retina. This usually is harmless, but in some people the vitreous may be firmly attached to the retina in one or more places, and here the retina may be torn as the vitreous pulls away.

 

A tear can lead to a detached retina which is definitely a serious matter. So make an appointment with your ophthalmologist right away if flashes and floaters are new or changed.