Floaters and Flashes in Your Vision

Why an urgent GP review matters

What people mean by floaters and flashes

Floaters are small shapes that drift across your vision, often described as dots, threads, cobwebs, or shadows that move when your eyes move. Flashes are brief flickers or streaks of light, often noticed at the edges of vision, especially in low light. These symptoms come from changes inside the eye rather than from the surface.

Why these symptoms happen

Inside the eye is a clear gel called the vitreous. With age or changes in the eye, the vitreous can shrink or shift slightly. This movement can cast shadows on the retina, which you see as floaters. When the vitreous pulls on the retina, it can stimulate the light-sensing cells and cause flashes. These changes are common, but they are not always harmless.

When floaters and flashes are more concerning

Some patterns raise concern and need prompt medical review. These include a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes that were not present before, a shadow or curtain moving across part of your vision, or blurred or reduced vision. These features may signal a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which are time-sensitive conditions where early treatment protects sight.

Why urgent GP review is important

A GP helps assess your symptoms, timing, and risk factors, such as short-sightedness, eye injury, previous eye surgery, or a history of retinal problems. While many causes are benign, a GP’s role is to identify who needs same-day or urgent referral to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for detailed eye examination. Acting early can make a critical difference to outcomes.

What not to ignore

Do not wait to see if symptoms “settle” if flashes or floaters are new, worsening, or associated with vision changes. Eye problems do not always cause pain, so the absence of discomfort does not mean the problem is minor. Vision changes are treated as a priority because delays increase the risk of permanent vision loss.

How your GP supports next steps

Your GP coordinates urgent assessment when needed, explains what tests or eye reviews are appropriate, and ensures safe follow-up. Even if symptoms turn out to be age-related changes, prompt assessment offers reassurance and protects long-term eye health.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.