Flashes and Floaters:
Information for adults

There is nothing that you can do to prevent the normal aging process that results in flashes and floaters. However, it is extremely critical to be aware of when flashes and/or floaters might be very serious and require medical attention (see below). It is also important to remember to wear protective eyewear when working in conditions that might lead to an injury to your eye (grinding, sawing, sports, etc) as such an injury may cause the serious types of flashes and floaters.  
 
Note: The flashes seen with migraines are normally not associated with floaters. Furthermore, migraine headaches produce flashes that are very distinctive, usually last for a set amount of time, and occur the same way each time. You can get migraine types of flashes without any headache (ophthalmic migraine). Finally, it is important to make sure the floaters are not actually debris in the outermost layer of the eye (tear film layer) that simply disappears once you rinse your eyes out or blink several times.
What is most critical about flashes and floaters is their timing and course. If you have the sudden onset of flashes and floaters and/or a marked increase in the number of flashes and floaters, it may be a sign of more serious problems, such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment. This requires prompt attention and evaluation by an eye care professional. If you have experienced recent injury to the eye and then notice flashes and/or floaters, you should get a medical evaluation. Other reasons to seek medical attention for flashes and/or floaters are:

• Vision loss
• Pain
• A curtain or veil that blocks part of your vision and does not move or float
• If you think you have had a posterior vitreous detachment (see above)