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Understanding the Causes of Eye Flashes and Floaters

July 1, 2025

Have you ever noticed small specks or strands drifting across your vision? Or sudden bursts of light that seem to come out of nowhere? These visual disturbances (commonly referred to as floaters and flashes) are often harmless, but in some cases, they may signal a more serious eye condition. At Vision Center South, we believe that understanding your eye health is the first step to protecting your vision.
 

What Are Floaters and Flashes?

Floaters are tiny shapes such as dots, cobwebs, or squiggly lines that appear to drift across your field of vision. They are most noticeable when looking at a bright, blank surface like a clear sky or a white wall.
 

Flashes, on the other hand, look like brief flickers or lightning streaks in your vision. These can occur in one or both eyes and often happen in environments with low light.
 

What Causes Floaters and Flashes?

Most floaters and flashes are caused by natural changes in the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. As we age, the vitreous can begin to shrink and pull away from the retina, leading to:
 

  • Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): A common age-related condition that can cause both floaters and flashes.

  • Retinal Tear or Detachment: In more serious cases, the vitreous can tug on the retina, potentially causing a tear or detachment. This requires urgent medical attention.

  • Eye Injury or Trauma: A sudden impact can disturb the vitreous and retina, leading to the sudden onset of flashes or floaters.

  • Inflammation or Eye Diseases: Conditions like uveitis or diabetic retinopathy can also result in floaters due to debris in the vitreous.


When Should You Be Concerned?

While many floaters and flashes are harmless, there are situations when they may indicate a medical emergency. Contact your eye doctor right away if you experience:
 

  • A sudden increase in floaters or flashes

  • A dark curtain or shadow across part of your vision

  • Blurred or distorted vision

  • Loss of peripheral vision


These symptoms may point to a retinal tear or detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
 

The Role of Eye Exams in Maintaining Vision Health

Even if your floaters and flashes seem minor, regular eye exams are essential for ensuring they’re not linked to a more serious underlying condition. These subtle visual changes can sometimes be early indicators of retinal tears, detachment, or other issues that may not cause pain or immediate vision loss. A comprehensive eye exam allows your optometrist to examine the back of your eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and vitreous, with precision. This helps in detecting early signs of damage or disease before noticeable symptoms arise.
 

At Vision Center South, we provide thorough eye exams using advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your ocular health from every angle. Our goal is to identify changes as early as possible, offer timely treatment when needed, and give you peace of mind about your vision health. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply due for a checkup, regular visits to our eye doctor are one of the most effective ways to preserve lifelong vision.
 

Take Care of Your Vision Before Problems Arise

Flashes and floaters are often harmless, but they can sometimes signal more serious eye conditions. The key to protecting your vision is knowing when to act and scheduling regular eye exams to catch potential issues early.
 

If you’ve noticed floaters or flashes in your vision, don’t ignore them. Our team at Vision Center South is here to help you determine the best course of action. Visit our offices in Dothan, Enterprise, Troy, or Wetumpka, Alabama, or Marianna, Florida. Click https://www.visioncentersouth.net/our-locations.html to find a location near you.

Roya1234 none 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 5:00pm Closed Closed optometrist # # # # https://meetmarlo.com/shop/00u4bju7jaRbsJ0X6297 https://denney.myclstore.com/ https://denney.myclstore.com/ https://denney.myclstore.com/ 121 St. Joseph Ave. Brewton, AL 36426 2518673635 607 Boll Weevil Cir #C Enterprise, AL 36330 3343476599 4340 Lafayette Street Marianna, FL 32446 8504822336 2826 Ross Clark Circle, Suite 102 Dothan, AL 36301 3347932633