What Causes Eye Floaters and Flashes?

Few visual disturbances are as distracting as tiny specks or sudden bursts of light in your field of vision. These drifting spots, thread-like shapes, or quick flickers often appear at the edges of your vision when looking at bright skies, a computer screen, or a plain wall. Eye floaters and flashes are common and usually a normal part of aging, but in some cases, they can signal more serious eye problems.

At The EyeDoctors Optometrists, our doctors help patients understand these visual phenomena, rule out urgent issues, and determine the appropriate next steps. Learn what causes floaters and flashes, when to seek care, and the treatment options we provide.

What are Eye Flashes?

Eye flashes, or photopsias, are brief bursts of light or color in your vision. Unlike floaters, which drift and linger, flashes often look like flickers, sparks, or streaks at the edge of your sight. They are usually fleeting but can be alarming if they occur suddenly or frequently.

Flashes originate in the vitreous humor as well. Aging causes the collagen in the vitreous gel to deteriorate more rapidly, causing the gel to shrink and pull on the retina. This tugging produces the momentary flashes of light many people notice. 

Possible Causes of Eye Floaters and Flashes

Occasional floaters and flashes are generally normal and often appear at specific times, like in the morning, while reading, or after rubbing your eyes.

Frequent floaters and flashes can indicate posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), a natural separation of the vitreous gel from the retina. PVD itself isn’t painful and typically doesn’t cause vision loss, but it can occasionally lead to complications if left unchecked. Other potential, generally less serious causes include:

• Eye infections 

• Eye inflammation 

• Eye injury 

• Migraine or headache 

• Diabetes 

• Severe cough 

Serious causes, which usually present alongside additional symptoms, may include: 

• Choroidal neovascular membranes 

• Cytomegalovirus retinitis 

• Detached and torn retina 

• Histoplasmosis 

• HIV/AIDS 

• Stickler syndrome 

• Vitreomacular traction 

Risk Factors for Eye Floaters and Flashes

Eye floaters and flashes can occur in anyone, but certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing them. While nearsightedness and aging are common contributors, other conditions and circumstances can raise your risk.

Some factors that may make you more prone to floaters and flashes include:

• A family history of eye problems 

• Cataract surgery 

• Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser surgery after cataract surgery 

• Eye injuries 

When to Seek Treatment for Eye Floaters and Flashes

In many cases, floaters and flashes are harmless and may diminish over time. However, it is important to see your eye doctor to rule out more serious issues.

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a common, generally benign cause of floaters and flashes that occurs naturally with age. While PVD itself typically does not harm your vision, it can sometimes lead to retinal complications such as tears, detachment, or hemorrhage. Retinal damage often requires prompt treatment or surgery to prevent vision loss. Severe changes in vision occurring alongside new floaters or flashes may indicate a retinal problem, though not all cases present obvious symptoms.

Regular eye exams with The EyeDoctors Optometrists can help detect PVD early and monitor for potential complications. Additionally, other eye conditions can cause floaters and flashes, and any sudden changes in vision, multiple symptoms at once, or noticeable vision loss should prompt an immediate visit to your eye care professional. In some cases, interventions such as laser therapy or surgical procedures may be recommended.