New floaters or flashes of light should be examined within a few days. With a shadow in your vision: the same day.
What happens in the eye?
The vitreous is the clear gel that fills the eye. With age it becomes more liquid and shrinks until it separates from the retina at the back of the eye. This is a natural age-related change that most people get at some point. It happens earlier in short-sighted people and after cataract surgery.
Symptoms
- Black dots, threads, cobwebs or a ring that moves as you move your eyes
- Brief flashes of light at the side of your vision, especially in the dark
The floaters are most visible against a bright background, such as the sky or a white wall.
Why should it be examined?
When the vitreous separates, in a few cases it can tear a hole in the retina. A hole can lead to retinal detachment, but if it is detected early, it can often be treated with laser. That is why we examine the retina thoroughly with pupil-dilating drops when the symptoms are new.
Contact an eye doctor or the out-of-hours service the same day if you have
- A sudden shower of many new black dots
- A shadow or curtain spreading across your vision
- Rapidly worsening vision
The course
The flashes usually disappear within weeks. The floaters become less bothersome over months as the brain gets used to them. Treatment is rarely needed.
This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.