Flashes and Floaters
Flashes and floaters in eyes are common visual disturbances that many people experience at some point. While they are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying eye condition that requires medical attention.
FDA Approved
Advanced Technology
Why It Matters / Prevalence & Risk Groups
Flashes and floaters are widespread, with higher risk in older adults
What are Flashes and Floaters?
Floaters in eyes appear as small dark shapes, spots, or strands drifting across your vision, while flashes are brief streaks of light, often resembling lightning or flickering. Flashers and floaters are more noticeable when looking at bright backgrounds, such as the sky or a white wall.
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What are the Symptoms of Flashes and Floaters?
Small spots, strings, or cobweb-like shapes drifting in your vision
Flashes of light, particularly in peripheral vision
A sudden increase in floaters or flashes
Shadows or dark areas in vision (may indicate a retinal tear or detachment)
If you notice a sudden onset of floaters and flashes in eyes, especially with a loss of peripheral vision, seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment.
What are the Causes of Flashes and Floaters?
Flashes and floaters in eyes are usually caused by changes in the vitreous – the gel-like substance inside the eye. As we age, the vitreous naturally shrinks and becomes more liquid, leading to tiny fibres clumping together and casting shadows on the retina.Common causes of flashes and floaters in eyes:
1
Natural ageing of the vitreous (most common cause)
As the eye ages, the vitreous gel shrinks and becomes more liquid, causing floaters.
2
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
PVD occurs when the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina, often causing flashes and floaters.
3
Retinal tears or detachment (urgent attention required)
Sudden flashes and floaters can indicate a retinal tear or detachment requiring urgent treatment.
4
Eye injuries or trauma
Blunt or penetrating eye injuries can trigger new floaters or flashes by disturbing internal eye structures.
5
Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
Inflammation within the eye can cause floaters due to inflammatory cells in the vitreous.
6
Bleeding within the eye
Bleeding into the vitreous can appear as dark floaters and may significantly reduce vision.
Types of Floaters in Eyes
Fibrous Strand
Most common in young people, this thin, dense floater can appear as multiple dots and/or string-like cobwebs and is a result of clumping of the collagen fibers of the vitreous. Depending on size, and where it is located, it may be treatable with vitreolysis.
Diffuse Floater
This cloud-like floater is caused by the natural aging process. Whilst this type of floater can sometimes be treated with vitreolysis, it often requires more overall treatment in order to obtain satisfactory results.
Weiss Ring Floater
The ring-shaped Weiss Ring floater is a large, fibrous floater that is usually located safely away from the crystalline lens and the retina. Because of this, it can be treated safely and effectively with vitreolysis.
Not Sure If You're Eligible?
Schedule a comprehensive eye examination to identify the cause of your flashes and floaters.
Diagnosis & Assessment
A thorough examination will determine the seriousness of your flashes and floaters.
1
How we assess your vision
Centre for Sight provides a thorough eye assessment to identify the cause of symptoms such as flashes, floaters, or changes in vision and to rule out any serious eye conditions.
Duration: 60-90 minutes
What to Expect
Vision checks, using up to 16 diagnostic tests
Eye pressure measurement and pupil dilation (eye drops)
Examination of the back of the eye
Detailed discussion with an expert consultant
2
Tests and scans you may have
The comprehensive tests you have at Centre for Sight including a visual acuity test, OCT and slit-lamp examination are designed to safely and accurately examine the health of your eyes, particularly the retina and vitreous.
Duration: 60-90 minutes
What to Expect
Bright lights and specialist lenses to examine the retina
OCT to view the retinal layers in detail
Ultrasount (B-Scan) if the view of your retina is blocked
Eye pressure measurement
3
What happens at your first appointment
Your first appointment at Centre for Sight focuses on understanding your symptoms, assessing your eye health and deciding whether further treatment is required.
Duration: 60-90 minutes
What to Expect
Time to describe your symptoms and concerns
A full eye health assessment
Advice, reassurance or referral if necessary
Information on when and how to seek further help
Available Treatments
Most cases of floaters and flashes in eyes do not require treatment, but if they become particularly bothersome or indicate a retinal issue, medical intervention may be needed.
Treatment Options:
Laser Vitreolysis
A laser treatment that breaks up large floaters to improve vision clarity.
Vitrectomy
A surgical procedure that removes the vitreous gel, eliminating floaters but carrying some risks.
Retinal Treatment
If flashes or floaters in eyes are caused by a retinal tear, laser or cryotherapy may be necessary to prevent detachment.
Price of Treatment
The cost of treatment for flashes and floaters in eyes varies depending on the procedure and individual case. A consultation is required to assess suitability and recommend the best option.
- Initial Consultation: £465
- Treatment From £1,868 per eye for up to three treatments
For a personalised assessment, please book a consultation with our expert team.
Why Choose Centre for Sight
Centre for Sight is one of the UK’s most established and pioneering eye care providers, with over 30 years of experience and multiple national firsts. We were the first clinic in the UK to perform LASIK, and among the earliest to introduce femtosecond laser technology for both laser eye surgery and cataract procedures. Our consultants have collectively performed over 35,000 cataract surgeries, delivering exceptional outcomes backed by audited results and world-class surgical expertise. Patients benefit from fully consultant-led care, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalised treatment planning — all supported by our reputation as a trusted centre where ophthalmologists from around the world come to observe and train. At Centre for Sight, innovation, safety, and excellence are built into every step of your journey.
Patient Success Stories
Such great care and service here. I had a household accident last week and came to get my eye looked at, which they went out of their way to accomodate on the same morning of ringing. The team is amazing, the admin, nurses, and consultant were really kind and caring. The follow up care has also been great with calls after a week to check how I’m getting on. Everyone has been so warm and friendly, a huge heartfelt thank you!
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sana ali
The best decision ever! My eye treatment at Centre for Sight has changed my life and enhanced my confidence. Having trifocal lenses implanted by Mr Sheraz Daya has restored my eyesight and I no longer need to use any lenses for reading, driving or any other activities.
From my first encounter with Mr Daya and his team at Centre for Sight, I felt most reassured that I was getting a very professional opinion and treatment. The day of the procedure was made much easier by the comforting support provided to me by Dr Espinosa whilst Mr Daya was performing my eye surgery. Overall, a fantastic experience and a great result.
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Manuel Oyarzabal
Really proffesional
The professionalism I experienced right the way through the process was just brilliant. With all the testing prior to surgery, I felt very sure that I was doing the right thing. Saj Khan was not only very proffesional, he was also quite funny, which put you at ease.
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Nigel Guthrie
A heartfelt thank you also to his team: Adora and Teresa, who have supported me from my very first appointment and always make me feel welcome, and Katie, Debra and Alex at Grinstead, who cared for me during surgery and helped me through one of the most anxious times of my life.
I cannot recommend Dr Daya and his team enough. For anyone who is unsure or afraid of taking this step — please know this really can change your life.
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Rikesh Patel
Excellent Result
Initial tests were very thorough and the recommendations clearly set out. The operation itself was quick and painless. All the staff were friendly and professional. The aftercare was faultless.
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Derek
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London Centre
Centre for Sight London, located at 14 Queen Anne St, Suite 2, in the prestigious Harley Street area, offers consultations, follow-up care, and YAG laser procedures.
Sussex Centre
Hazelden Place, Turners Hill Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4RH
Arguably the most modern private eye hospital in the UK, our hospital in Sussex offers Laser Vision Correction, Corneal Transplants, Stem Cell Surgery and more.
Surrey Centre
48 High Street, Oxshott, Surrey, KT22 0JR
Centre for Sight London, located at 14 Queen Anne St, Suite 2, in the prestigious Harley Street area, offers consultations, follow-up care, and YAG laser procedures.
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Additional Information
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions relating to flashes and floaters.
Are floaters and flashes dangerous?
Most floaters and flashes in eyes are harmless and part of the natural ageing process. However, a sudden increase in floaters, flashes, or loss of vision could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires urgent medical attention.
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
Floaters in eyes can be a symptom of posterior vitreous detachment. This is a common condition that occurs in about three-quarters of people over 65 years of age. PVD can occur as the result of changes to the vitreous humour as the eye gets older.
As we get older the central part of the vitreous humour becomes more liquid and the outer part, known as the cortex, starts to shrink away from the retina. Floaters are created as a result of the collagen clumping together.
Flashing lights can also be another symptom of PVD. Flashing lights may occur when the outer vitreous humour pulls on the light-sensitive tissue of the retina. The pulling on the retina causes brain to interpret it as a light signal.
Retinal detachment
Floaters in eyes may be a sign of retinal detachment (when the retina separates from the wall at the back of the eye). If you have retinal detachment, you will usually have:
- a large number of floaters
- flashing lights
- loss of vision
There are several types of surgery to repair a detached retina. The type of procedure your Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon performs will depend on the severity of retinal detachment.
If you think that you may have retinal detachment, seek urgent medical attention from your GP or optometrist (optician). If you are patient of Centre for Sight already please call 0808 291 5658.
Will floaters in eyes go away on their own?
Over time, floaters often settle or become less noticeable. If they significantly interfere with vision, treatments like laser vitreolysis or vitrectomy may be considered.
Can I prevent floaters and flashes?
While they cannot always be prevented, maintaining good eye health, managing conditions like diabetes, and wearing protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries can help reduce risk of floaters in eyes.
When should I see a specialist?
Seek medical advice if you experience:
- A sudden increase in flashes or floaters in eyes
- Loss of peripheral vision
- A shadow or curtain effect in your vision
- Eye pain or redness alongside floaters
If you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms, book an appointment with our specialists today. Early detection and treatment can help protect your vision.
Have Questions?
Our patient care team is here to answer any questions you may have.