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Flashes & Floaters

Are Your Eye Flashes & Eye Floaters Normal?

What Are Eye Flashes & Floaters?

Most people experience eye flashes and floaters at some point in their lives. As we grow older, it is more common to experience floaters and flashes as the vitreous gel changes with age, gradually pulling away from the inside surface of the eye. While these are considered normal in many cases, they could also be a sign of retinal disease. The doctors at Rock Hill Eye Center encourage you to tell your eye care provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

Eye Flashes

When the vitreous gel pulls on the retina, you may see what look like flashing lights or lightning streaks. These are called flashes. You may have experienced this same sensation if you’ve ever seen “stars” after having been hit in the eye. The flashes of light can appear off and on for several weeks or months.

Eye Floaters

You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. These are called floaters. You can often see them when looking at a plain background, like a blank wall or blue sky. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of cells or material inside the vitreous, the clear, gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye.

While these objects look like they are in front of your eye, they are actually floating inside it. What you see are the shadows they cast on the retina, the layer of cells lining the back of the eye that senses light and allows you to see. Floaters can appear as different shapes, such as little dots, circles, lines, clouds, or cobwebs.

Information

Additional Retina Services

General Information

A healthy, intact retina is key to clear
vision. Unfortunately, many people suffer
from retinal diseases and don’t even
realize it. Our ophthalmologist at Rock
Hill Eye Center will examine your eyes and
watch for any signs of these problems.

Learn More
Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition
that occurs in people with diabetes.
This retinal disease affects the blood
vessels in the eye and can cause
permanent vision loss. If you have
diabetes, be aware of this condition and
be sure to visit an ophthalmologist for care.

Learn More
Age Related Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a breakdown
of the part of your retina that controls
your central vision. The most common
cause of this retinal disease is aging.
Learn about the two major types of
macular degeneration and why seeing
an ophthalmologist is so important.

Learn More
Retinal Tear / Detachment

Not all eye conditions require
immediate treatment—but a torn or
detached retina does. If you’ve
suffered a blow to the eye, visit an
ophthalmologist as quickly as possible
for an exam. It could save your vision.

Learn More
Plaquenil Eye Exams

We perform different tests to detect retinal
damage due to Plaquenil medication.

Learn More

Please allow 24-48 business hours to be contacted regarding your appointment request. We look forward to seeing you soon.

* If this is a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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