Most floaters are caused by a posterior vitreous detachment.
This occurs when the jelly-like fluid in the eye liquefies with
age.
Sometimes the vitreous body fibers can pull some of the retinal
nerve cells with them, causing a retinal tear that can lead to a
retinal detachment. This can cause significant damage to vision.
(More information about this condition is available in the "Retinal
Detachment" fact sheet from the Cole Eye Institute.)
Can floaters be treated?
Only after a careful examination can your doctor give advice
about possible treatment for floaters. In many cases, the
examination will confirm that the floaters are not a symptom
of a more dangerous condition. The doctor might just recommend that
the patient have eye examinations more frequently to make sure that
the eye with floaters does not get any of the more serious
conditions later.
What are flashes?
Sometimes when vitreous body fibers pull on the retinal nerve
cells, the eye has the sensation of a flash of light. This can be a
small flash in just one spot, or it can be several flashes across a
wider area of vision. It is not unusual for flashes and floaters to
occur at the same time.
Are flashes a symptom of a more serious eye problem?
Flashes can be a symptom of a retinal detachment, which can
damage vision significantly. Anyone who experiences flashes should
see their eye doctor as soon as possible. If the flashes have been
caused by a retinal detachment, the doctor will be able to give
advice on the possible options for treatment.