01 / Shadows in the visual field

Floaters move with the eyes—but seem to move away when you try to look at them.

Floaters are often described as small spots, threads, rings or “cobwebs”. They are more noticeable against a bright, uniform background such as a white wall or the sky.

They are often associated with age-related changes in the vitreous—the clear gel that fills the eye. New floaters should not, however, be interpreted without an examination, because in some cases they may occur with a retinal tear or detachment.

02 / Flashes of light

Brief flashes of light may be caused by traction on the retina.

Flashes may resemble lightning, arcs or momentary lights, usually towards the edge of the visual field. When they appear suddenly with new floaters, their timing and any change from what is usual are especially important.

Other phenomena, such as a visual migraine aura, may present differently. A description alone is not sufficient to distinguish them safely and does not replace an eye examination.

03 / Warning signs

A sudden change is the sign that should not wait.

A retinal tear or detachment may not cause pain. The absence of pain is therefore not reassuring when sudden visual symptoms are present.

  • Many new floaters appearing suddenly.
  • New or more frequent flashes of light, particularly in one eye.
  • A dark shadow, “curtain” or missing area in the visual field.
  • New blurring of central or peripheral vision.
  • Symptoms following an eye injury.

Urgent assessment

If many new floaters, flashes, a shadow or a “curtain” in the visual field appear suddenly, urgent ophthalmic assessment or attendance at an emergency department is required—do not wait for an online response.

04 / Retinal examination

Dilating the pupil allows the peripheral retina to be examined.

The ophthalmologist will record when the symptoms began, whether they affect one or both eyes, and whether there is a history of injury, high myopia, previous surgery or other relevant factors.

After the pupil has been dilated, a detailed fundus examination is performed. Additional imaging may be used depending on the findings, but no photograph or scan on its own replaces clinical assessment of the peripheral retina.

05 / Follow-up

The next step depends on the cause—not only on how troublesome the symptoms feel.

When no retinal tear or other condition is found, many floaters become less noticeable over time. The ophthalmologist may recommend follow-up according to the appearance of the vitreous and retina and any risk factors.

If new or worsening symptoms develop after the initial examination, prompt reassessment is needed. A previously normal examination does not rule out a later change.