Floaters/Flashes

Floaters/Flashes  

Illustration to show what Flashes could look like. With a darker flared star shape inside the oval eye shape to demonstrate flashes in vision.

Floaters and flashes are very common and usually not something that should cause concern. Floaters and flashes can be described as small dots and squiggly lines which are more noticeable when you are looking at a light background and flashes are flashes of light.

Floaters are usually caused by a harmless process where the gel in your eye is changing.

Floaters can also be a sign of Retinal Detachment which is when the retina detaches from your eye. This is a serious condition in which the rate at which this is detected    and treated can impact on your sight. If you notice a change in your vision such as a shadow, blurriness and also pain then call 111 immediately.

For further information visit the NHS website here Floaters and flashes in the eye