Flashes and Things Floating in your Vision
may need Immediate Attention

If you are experiencing flashes of light or floaters in your vision it is recommended that you get a comprehensive eye exam.

Dangerous, painless symptoms may lead to vision loss.

If you are experiencing flashes of light or things floating in your vision that you have not previously seen before it is extremely important that you come in for an eye exam immediately. These may be signs of a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment will not have any pain associated with it. Some people also experience darkening of their peripheral vision (side vision). Detached retinas can lead to permanent vision loss. People at risk for detached retinas include those who are severely nearsighted, have had a previous eye injury, had a cataract surgery, or have had other family members who have experienced a retinal detachment.

Most floaters and flashes are harmless.

If you randomly see things floating in your vision, especially while looking at a bright, light, or plain coloured backgrounds, you are not alone. These are called "floaters" and nearly everyone sees them. Everyone describes these floaters a bit differently. Common nicknames for floaters include: dots, worms, specs, streaks, debris, bubbles, threads, clumps, and "thingies". For more information on this please see our detailed page on floaters.

If it has been over a year since your last visit to the optometrist please schedule a checkup today.