Evaluated and treated under Dr. Deepak Gandhi, Director of Gandhi Eye Centre, with clinical experience across cataract, glaucoma, cornea, retina and pediatric eye care.
View Doctor Profile →Floaters and flashes of light are common and often harmless, but a sudden change can be an early sign of a retinal problem that needs prompt evaluation.
What Is It?
Floaters are small specks, threads or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision, most noticeable against a plain bright background like the sky or a white wall. They are caused by tiny clumps within the vitreous, the gel-like substance filling the eye.
Flashes are brief streaks or sparks of light, often in peripheral vision, that can occur when the vitreous gel tugs on the retina — this becomes more common as the vitreous naturally changes and shrinks with age.
A few longstanding, stable floaters are common and usually harmless. The concern is a sudden change: a new shower of floaters, new flashes, or floaters appearing together with a shadow in vision, which can signal a retinal tear or detachment.
Symptoms & Indications
The distinction that matters most is between long-standing, stable floaters and a sudden new change.
A small number of floaters that have been present for a long time and are not increasing are usually not urgent, though worth mentioning at your next routine check.
A sudden increase — many new floaters appearing over hours to days — is a warning sign that needs prompt evaluation.
New flashes, especially in peripheral vision, particularly if frequent or persistent, should be evaluated promptly.
This combination is a strong warning sign for retinal detachment and needs same-day emergency evaluation.
Treatment Options
The definitive way to distinguish harmless floaters from a retinal tear or early detachment is a dilated examination of the retina and vitreous.
For confirmed harmless floaters with a normal retinal exam, simple observation is often all that is needed.
If a tear or other retinal finding is detected, timely treatment (see our retinal detachment page) is arranged without delay.
What To Expect
A floaters/flashes evaluation is quick but requires pupil dilation to properly examine the peripheral retina, where tears are most likely to occur.
We ask when the floaters/flashes started, whether they are increasing, and whether a shadow or curtain has appeared.
Drops are used to dilate the pupil so the entire retina, including its far periphery, can be examined.
The retina and vitreous are examined for any tear, detachment or other cause of the floaters/flashes.
Depending on findings, you are advised to simply monitor, return for a repeat check, or proceed directly to treatment if a tear or detachment is found.
Please note: This page is educational and not a substitute for an in-person examination. If you notice a sudden new shower of floaters, new flashes, or a shadow/curtain in your vision, seek same-day evaluation rather than waiting.
Common Questions
Evaluated and treated under Dr. Deepak Gandhi, Director of Gandhi Eye Centre, with clinical experience across cataract, glaucoma, cornea, retina and pediatric eye care.
View Doctor Profile →Book a dilated retinal check at Gandhi Eye Centre, Faridabad — sooner if the change is sudden.