In short: Most floaters are harmless, but a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow moving across your vision can mean the retina is tearing or detaching. This is an eye emergency — the sooner it is examined, the better the chance of protecting your sight.
What is retinal detachment?
The retina is the thin, light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. In retinal detachment, this layer separates from the tissue that nourishes it. Untreated, the detached area stops working and vision loss can become permanent. It is usually painless, which is why the visual warning signs matter so much.
The warning signs
- A sudden shower of new floaters — specks, threads or cobweb shapes that drift when you move your eyes.
- Flashes of light, often noticed at the edge of vision, especially in dim light.
- A shadow, curtain or veil that spreads across part of your vision.
- A sudden drop in vision, or blurred central vision.
Occasional, long-standing floaters are common and usually benign, but any new or sudden change deserves prompt attention.
Who is at higher risk?
- People with high short-sightedness (myopia)
- Those who have had cataract surgery or other eye surgery
- A previous retinal tear or detachment, in either eye
- A family history of retinal detachment
- Significant eye injury, and some inherited or degenerative retinal conditions
How is it diagnosed?
An eye doctor will usually dilate the pupil and examine the retina in detail, often supported by imaging such as OCT or fundus photography. Finding a small tear early may allow treatment before a full detachment develops.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment depends on what is found. A retinal tear may be sealed with laser treatment (see retinal green laser) or freezing therapy. A detached retina generally needs surgery, which may include techniques such as vitrectomy; read more on our vitrectomy page. Your surgeon will explain which approach suits your eye and why.
What should you do if you notice these signs?
Do not wait to see whether symptoms settle. Arrange an urgent dilated eye examination. Learn more about how these conditions are assessed on our retina care page, or contact Trivision Eye Hospital in Bandra West. People with diabetes or high myopia can also benefit from regular retinal check-ups even without symptoms.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for an eye examination.