Flashes and Floaters

Inside your eye is a watery jelly-like fluid called the Vitreous. Tiny specks in the vitreous swirl around as you move your eyes.

• They are more noticeable on bright days or when looking at light coloured objects, for example a page of a book
• Most people notice floaters in their vision at some point in their lives
• Most of the time these floaters are perfectly normal
• If you should suddenly notice a large increase in floaters, or if you start to notice any flashes of light, or even a shadow across your vision you should see your optometrist immediately

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs for 1 in 10,000 people either spontaneously or as a result of head trauma. Symptoms of a retinal detachment can include;

• Flashing lights and floaters.
• A black “curtain” or veil spreading across your vision.
• Loss of vision

Retinal detachment is a sight threatening condition that requires emergency treatment. If you are suffering from these symptoms consult your optician or GP immediately.