Eye Conditions

Floaters & flashes

Floaters are the small specks, threads or cobwebs that drift across your vision. Most are harmless and very common. But a sudden change — especially with flashes of light — is worth getting checked promptly, as it can occasionally signal a problem with the retina.

What it is

The inside of your eye is filled with a clear jelly. As we age this jelly becomes more watery and can pull away from the retina — a normal change that often brings on new floaters, and sometimes brief flashes of light.

Usually this settles and is nothing to worry about. Occasionally, though, the pulling can tear the retina, which needs prompt treatment to protect your sight.

What you might notice

Specks, dots, threads or cobwebs drifting across your sight
Flashes of light, like lightning at the edge of your vision
A sudden increase in the number of floaters
A dark shadow or curtain coming across your vision

Recognise these? Book a consultation and we'll help you get to the bottom of it.

When to seek help urgently

A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across your vision can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. If this happens, seek eye care urgently — the sooner it's treated, the better the outcome.

What causes it

Most floaters come from the normal age-related change of the eye's jelly separating from the retina.

You're more likely to notice them if you're short-sighted, have had eye surgery, or after an eye injury.

How we help

Dr Leong will examine the back of your eye in detail to check the retina is healthy and rule out a tear. If a tear is found, it can often be sealed with a laser to stop it progressing.

Where floaters are harmless, we'll reassure you and explain exactly what to watch for.

Explore General Ophthalmology

Common questions

Are floaters dangerous?

Most are completely harmless and simply a normal part of ageing. The ones to act on are a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow across your vision — those need a prompt check.

Will my floaters go away?

Often they become less noticeable over time as your brain learns to ignore them, even though they don't fully disappear. Once we've confirmed the retina is healthy, harmless floaters usually just need reassurance.

What makes floaters suddenly increase?

A sudden increase usually happens as the gel inside the eye separates from the retina — often harmless, but occasionally a sign of a retinal tear. A new shower of floaters, especially with flashes or a shadow, should be checked promptly.

Can floaters be treated?

Most harmless floaters are simply monitored and fade from notice over time. Treatment is only considered in rare cases where they seriously affect vision — the priority is always to confirm the retina is healthy first.

This page is general information, not medical advice, and doesn't replace a consultation. For anything specific to your own eyes, call us for advice or to book an appointment with Dr Leong on 04 470 7663.

Ready to see clearly?

Book a consultation with Dr Leong, or call the clinic to talk it through. We're here to help you see your very best.

Book a Consultation 04 470 7663