Sudden floaters and flashes should not be ignored
Seeing new floaters or flashes of light can be unsettling. In many cases, these symptoms are related to changes in the vitreous, the clear gel inside the eye. However, they can sometimes be a warning sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, both of which require urgent specialist assessment.
Floaters may appear as dots, cobwebs, threads or moving shadows. Flashes may look like brief sparks of light, often seen at the edge of vision. If these symptoms appear suddenly, increase rapidly, or are accompanied by a shadow or curtain across your vision, it is important to have your retina examined promptly.
At The Retina Clinic London, we regularly assess patients with sudden floaters, flashes and other urgent retinal symptoms using advanced retinal imaging and a detailed examination of the entire retina, including the far periphery.
What can cause sudden floaters and flashes?
Sudden floaters and flashes may be linked to several conditions, including:
- Posterior vitreous detachment, where the vitreous gel naturally separates from the retina
- Retinal tear, where traction from the vitreous creates a break in the retina
- Retinal detachment, where the retina lifts away from the back of the eye
- Inflammation inside the eye, known as uveitis
- Bleeding into the vitreous gel
These symptoms do not confirm a diagnosis on their own. A specialist retinal examination is needed to understand what is happening and whether treatment is required.
When is it urgent?
You should seek urgent assessment if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- New flashes of light
- A curtain, shadow or veil in your vision
- Sudden blurred or distorted vision
- Loss of part of your visual field
- Rapid vision loss
- A new area of missing vision
These symptoms can be associated with retinal tears or retinal detachment. Prompt assessment and treatment may help reduce the risk of further retinal damage, although outcomes depend on the underlying cause, timing and severity.
How we investigate floaters and flashes
A standard eye check may not always include a full view of the far edges of the retina. At The Retina Clinic London, our assessment may include ultra-widefield retinal imaging, optical coherence tomography, and a full vitreoretinal examination. Where clinically appropriate, this includes careful peripheral retinal assessment to look for tears, holes or early detachment.
Our patient pathway is designed to provide clarity quickly, with findings explained carefully and next steps discussed in plain English.
What treatment might be needed?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Some patients may need monitoring only. Others may require retinal laser treatment to seal a retinal tear. If a retinal detachment is present, surgery may be needed.
The most important step is not to assume that symptoms are harmless. Floaters and flashes are common, but sudden changes deserve proper assessment.
The next step
If you have noticed sudden new floaters, a sudden increase in floaters, flashes, a curtain-like shadow, rapid vision loss, or a new area of missing vision, seek urgent retinal assessment without delay.
To contact the clinic, please call us on +44 (0)20 4548 5310 or visit https://www.theretinacliniclondon.com/book-a-consultation/
We’re here to help.