What Causes Floaters and Flashes?
Floaters are small dark shapes — spots, strings, cobwebs, or rings — that drift across your field of vision. They are caused by tiny clumps of collagen fibers inside the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the interior of the eye. As the vitreous ages and liquefies, these fibers cast shadows on the retina, creating the appearance of floating objects.
Flashes appear as brief streaks or arcs of light, most noticeable in dim lighting or when moving your eyes. They occur when the vitreous gel tugs on the retina, stimulating the photoreceptor cells mechanically. This traction is the same force that can cause a retinal tear — which is why new flashes always warrant urgent evaluation.
Emergency warning: A sudden shower of new floaters, persistent flashes, or a shadow/curtain in your peripheral vision may indicate a retinal tear or detachment. This is a sight-threatening emergency — call us immediately at 817-527-3604 for a same-day evaluation.
What to Watch For
Symptoms That Require Evaluation
New Floaters
Any new spots, strings, or cobwebs appearing in your vision — especially a sudden shower of many small floaters.
Flashes of Light
Brief streaks or arcs of light in your peripheral vision, particularly noticeable in dark environments.
Shadow or Curtain
A dark shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision — a hallmark warning sign of retinal detachment.
Sudden Vision Change
Any abrupt decrease in vision clarity, whether central or peripheral, accompanying floaters or flashes.
Increased Density
Existing floaters becoming larger, darker, or more numerous over a short period of time.
Persistent Flashing
Flashes that continue for days or weeks may indicate ongoing vitreous traction on the retina.
Our Approach
Thorough Retinal Evaluation
When floaters or flashes appear, ruling out a retinal tear or detachment is the top priority. Dr. Patel performs a comprehensive dilated evaluation to examine every part of the retina.
- Same-day urgent appointments — new floaters and flashes are treated as urgent cases and seen the same day whenever possible
- Dilated fundus examination — comprehensive evaluation of the entire retina, including the far periphery, using slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy
- Retinal imaging — high-resolution imaging to document findings and establish a baseline for future comparison
- Specialist referral when needed — if a retinal tear or detachment is identified, we coordinate same-day referral to a retinal surgeon for laser treatment or surgical repair
- Follow-up monitoring — scheduled re-evaluation at 4 to 6 weeks after initial onset to confirm retinal stability during the highest-risk period
Why Flower Mound Trusts PersonalEyes for Floaters & Flashes
Urgent Same-Day Access
We prioritize new floater and flash symptoms as urgent and provide same-day dilated evaluations to catch retinal problems early.
Thorough Retinal Exam
Dr. Patel examines the entire retina — including the far periphery — to ensure no tear or detachment is missed.
Retinal Specialist Network
If treatment is needed, we coordinate immediate referral to trusted retinal surgeons and continue your follow-up care locally.
Conveniently located at 2600 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 180, Flower Mound, TX 75022 — proudly serving Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, Grapevine, Coppell, Lantana, Argyle, and the greater DFW area.
Frequently Asked Questions