Back
Print 

Floaters and Flashes: Care Instructions

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

Eyeball and optic nerve

Overview

Floaters are spots and lines that "float" across your field of vision. They are caused by stray cells or strands of tissue inside the eyeball. Flashes are sparkles or lightning streaks. These occur in your side vision. This is called the peripheral vision.

Floaters and flashes usually aren't serious. In many cases, they're a normal part of getting older. Some people get used to them. Others find them annoying. If floaters bother you, you can try to look up and then down. This may make them go away.

For now, your doctor doesn't think your symptoms are a sign of a more serious problem. But an eye exam is the only way to know for sure.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have vision changes.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You see new floaters.
  • You see new flashes of light.
  • You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter T465 in the search box to learn more about "Floaters and Flashes: Care Instructions".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.