WHAT ARE FLASHES?
Flashes are caused when the gel that fills the inside of the eye pulls on the retina (the transparent tissue that lines the back of the eye). A flash usually appears as a quick streak of light on the side of the field of vision. It is normal to experience a flash from time to time, but persistent flashes can be a sign of a problem occurring in the eye.

WHAT ARE FLOATERS?
Floaters are caused by pieces of gel or other material inside the vitreous (gel that fills the inside of the eye). Floaters usually look like dark specs or threads that move with your vision. Like flashes, it is normal to occasionally experience a floater, but if many floaters are suddenly seen it can be a sign that something serious is wrong within the eye.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR FLASHES AND FLOATERS?
With age, comes an increase risk of flashes and floaters due to the normal breakdown of the vitreous. People who are nearsighted are more prone to having flashes and a history of prior eye surgery or injury increases the risk of floaters.

HOW DO I KNOW IF FLASHES AND FLOATERS ARE SERIOUS?
Most often, seeing a few flashes and floaters is normal. But, a sudden increase in these may be a sign of a detachment of the vitreous or a tear or break in the retina. To find out, a dilated examination by an eye care professional is indicated.

CAN FLASHES AND FLOATERS BE TREATED?
If flashes and floaters are found to be caused by the normal breaking apart of the vitreous, then no treatment is indicated and most of the time the flashes and floaters diminish with time. If a tear in the retina in discovered, if untreated this can lead to a detachment and loss of vision. If the tear is small, often it can be sealed with the use of a laser. If the tear is large, it may be necessary to operate inside of the eye to repair the tissue.