James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Eye Clinic 01493 452594 Flashes and Floaters Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Patient Information Flashes and Floaters Flashes and floaters are common symptoms and are often caused by a posterior vitreous detachment. This means an eye examination by an ophthalmologist is required but in nine out of 10 cases no other problems are found and no treatment is required. In most cases the flashing lights stop and although the floaters do not disappear, patients adapt to them and they become less intrusive with time.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment The vitreous is a transparent gel substance filling the back of the eye ball. With age, the vitreous gel shrinks and separates itself from the back part of the retina. Imperfections in this gel cast a shadow on the back of the eye and you perceive these as floaters.
2 Signs and symptoms You may notice black floaters in your vision which move with the eye and then settle as the eye rests. Some patients describe these as “flies”, “cobwebs” or even “tadpoles”. You may also be aware of flashing lights, like little flickers in your peripheral vision. To look at in the mirror, the eye will appear normal.
Treatment and diagnosis There is no treatment required for posterior vitreous detachment - only reassurance. The floaters will never really disappear but, in time, you will start taking less notice of them. The flashing lights should gradually settle down over the next few days or weeks.
3 There is a small risk (10%), particularly around the time of posterior vitreous detachment, of a retinal tear occurring. Around 40% of people with an acute retinal tear will develop a retinal detachment. It is important that all patients with flashes and floaters are aware of the warning signs of a possible retinal detachment as early treatment is often simple and effective whereas delayed treatment is more complicated and may not restore vision.
4 Warning signs of a possible retinal detachment • A sudden increase in the number of floaters in your vision • More flashing lights • A patch of your visual field missing from one eye (a large blind spot) • Blurred vision in one eye. If you notice these symptoms then we need to exclude a retinal tear or retinal detachment and you should see an eye specialist as soon as possible. A contact number for the clinic and details of what to do in the event of experiencing any of the warning signs will be given to you before you leave.
References: www.rcophth.ac.uk/patients/
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Feedback We want your visit to be as comfortable as possible. Please talk to the person in charge if you have any concerns. If the ward/ department staff are unable to resolve your concern, please ask for our Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS) information. Please be assured that raising a concern will not impact on your care. Before you leave the hospital you will be asked to complete a Friends and Family Test feedback card. Providing your feedback is vital in helping to transform NHS services and to support patient choice.
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The hospital can arrange for an interpreter or person to sign to assist you in communicating effectively with staff during your stay. Please let us know. For a large print version of this leaflet, contact PALS 01493 453240
© February 2008 Revised June 2011, July 2012, Author: February 2013, January 2017 James Paget University Hospitals Craig Goldsmith, NHS Foundation Trust 8 Review Date: January 2020 Consultant Ophthalmologist OP 17a version 5 large print