What causes flashes? What causes floaters?
“Flashes” are caused by the vitreous pulling or tugging at the retina. This is related to the aging process and is called a vitreous separation. Sometimes they can indicate a retinal detachment. Flashes could appear like a crescent-shaped streak, a lighting flash, or a camera flash. The flashes could be one or multiple in a series and can come or go (occurs off and on), may not be constant. “Floaters” are caused by small particles of dead cells or other debris that become suspended in the vitreous clumping together and casting a shadow on the retina. Most people have floaters in some degree and they are also related to the aging process. They cast shadows on the retina and appear as spots or cobwebs. You should contact your ophthalmologist if you notice a new onset of flashes or floaters.
