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
Any new spots, strings, or cobwebs appearing in your vision — especially a sudden shower of many small floaters.
Brief streaks or arcs of light in your peripheral vision, particularly noticeable in dark environments.
A dark shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision — a hallmark warning sign of retinal detachment.
Any abrupt decrease in vision clarity, whether central or peripheral, accompanying floaters or flashes.
Existing floaters becoming larger, darker, or more numerous over a short period of time.
Flashes that continue for days or weeks may indicate ongoing vitreous traction on the retina.
Our Approach
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.
We prioritize new floater and flash symptoms as urgent and provide same-day dilated evaluations to catch retinal problems early.
Dr. Patel examines the entire retina — including the far periphery — to ensure no tear or detachment is missed.
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
A small number of floaters that have been present for months or years are usually harmless — they result from normal age-related changes in the vitreous gel. However, any new floaters, a sudden increase in the number of floaters, or floaters accompanied by flashes of light require a prompt dilated exam to rule out a retinal tear or detachment.
Seek urgent evaluation if you experience a sudden shower of new floaters, persistent flashes of light (especially in your peripheral vision), a dark shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision, or a sudden decrease in vision. These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment — a sight-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Many floaters become less noticeable over weeks to months as the brain adapts and the floaters settle below the line of sight. However, they rarely disappear completely. If floaters significantly affect your quality of life and a thorough retinal exam confirms they are benign, Dr. Patel can discuss management options with you.
Most benign floaters do not require treatment. For persistent, visually significant floaters, options may include YAG laser vitreolysis (laser treatment to break up large floaters) or vitrectomy surgery (removal of the vitreous gel) performed by a retinal specialist. Dr. Patel will determine whether your floaters warrant intervention and coordinate specialist referral if needed.
Dr. Patel performs a comprehensive dilated fundus examination using specialized lenses and a slit lamp or indirect ophthalmoscope to view the entire retina, including its periphery where tears most commonly occur. If any abnormality is found, we coordinate same-day or next-day referral to a retinal specialist for treatment.