A new onset of flashes and floaters may indicate separation of the vitreous gel from the retina. When this occurs there is a risk of a tear forming in the retina, leading to retinal detachment.
Early detection of a retinal tear may prevent the need for surgery. If the retina is already detaching at the time of examination, surgery will usually be required to repair this.
Flashing lights may be cause by other disorders such as migraine and closure of blood vessels in temporal arteritis.
Floaters may be benign or may be due to blood, pigment or inflammatory cells in the vitreous gel.
If you have a recent onset of flashes and or floaters in one or both eyes, see an eye specialist to make a diagnosis and advise you on appropriate treatment.
