When floaters and flashes are serious
Most floaters and flashes are not a problem. However, there are times when they can be signs of a serious condition.
Here is when you should call an ophthalmologist right away:
- you notice countless new floaters
- you experience a multitude of flashes
- a shadow appears in your peripheral (side) vision
- a “curtain” covers part of your vision
These floaters and flashes could be symptoms of a torn or detached retina. This is when the retina pulls away from the back of your eye. This is a serious condition that needs to be treated.