Should I Worry About Eye Floaters, Flashes, or Shadows in My Vision?

At some point, most people notice eye floaters, occasional drifting specks, or threadlike shapes that move when their eyes move. Flashes of light can also appear occasionally, especially in dim lighting. 

In many cases, floaters and flashes are simply part of the natural changes that happen inside the eye over time. But sometimes they can be a sign of something that deserves closer attention.

In this blog, we explain what eye floaters, flashes, and shadows are, why they occur, and how to tell when they’re normal versus when they may need a closer look from an eye care professional.

Floaters are small clumps of collagen fibers suspended in the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of your eye. 

These particles cast shadows on the retina, which is what creates the tiny shapes you see drifting across your vision.

People often describe floaters as:

• Specks
• Threads or strands
• Cobweb-like wisps
• Small rings or circles
• Shadowy dots that move when they look around
  

As the eye ages, the vitreous naturally becomes thinner and more liquid. This process can cause the collagen fibers inside it to clump together—creating floaters. It can also cause the vitreous to gently pull away from the retina, a very common process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This process becomes increasingly common after age 50.

Floaters related to normal aging or PVD are often harmless and tend to become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts to them.

Flashes occur when the vitreous gel tugs or shifts against the retina. Many people describe flashes as:

• Flickers
• “Lightning streaks”
• Quick arcs of light
• Spark-like bursts in the corner of vision

Flashes tend to be more visible in darker environments and often occur during the early stages of PVD. They may come and go over the course of several weeks.

While occasional flashes can be normal, persistent flashing, especially when accompanied by new floaters, may indicate that the retina is being stressed or pulled. Even mild symptoms like this should be evaluated to ensure the retina remains healthy.

A shadow, curtain, or dark area that moves across your vision is one of the most important symptoms to watch for. This occurs when part of the retina no longer receives a clear signal, and it should be evaluated promptly. 

Shadows can appear gradually or suddenly and may be more noticeable in side (peripheral) vision.

Not every shadow indicates a serious condition, but it is a symptom that should never be ignored.

Floaters and flashes are common and not always a sign of something serious. However, certain patterns should be checked to rule out underlying issues.

You should schedule an evaluation if you notice:

A sudden increase in floaters

A rapid “shower” of new floaters—rather than one or two—is a key symptom to have examined.

New or persistent flashes of light

Flashes can indicate increased traction on the retina.

A shadow, curtain, or dim area in your side vision

This is one of the clearest signs that the retina needs to be checked promptly.

Blurry or distorted vision that appears suddenly

Vision changes that come on quickly should always be evaluated.

Symptoms following eye trauma

Even a minor injury can shift the vitreous or affect the retina.

Most patients with these symptoms do not end up having a serious condition, but early evaluation provides clarity and reassurance, and helps ensure that any issues are detected at the right time.

While floaters happen to nearly everyone, certain factors increase the likelihood of more significant issues:

• Age over 50 (PVD becomes more common)
• Nearsightedness (myopia), especially moderate to high levels
• Prior cataract surgery
• Previous retinal issues
• Diabetes
• Recent eye trauma

These do not mean someone will develop a serious retinal condition—they simply increase the importance of monitoring new symptoms.

A thorough retinal examination is the most important step in understanding the cause of floaters or flashes. During your visit, your eye doctor may:

• Review your symptoms and how quickly they appeared
• Check your visual acuity
• Dilate your pupils to examine the vitreous and retina
• Look for signs of PVD, retinal thinning, or small retinal breaks
• Use specialized lenses to view the far edges of the retina
• Perform imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) if needed

Dilation allows your doctor to see the entire retina, including the peripheral areas where symptoms often begin. The exam itself is comfortable and noninvasive, and most patients receive reassurance that their symptoms are part of normal aging.

In many cases, no medical treatment is required for eye floaters. Most floaters gradually become less noticeable as the brain adapts to them. However, some patients find that their floaters affect reading, computer work, or daily comfort,  and would like additional support.

While no supplement can remove floaters entirely, some patients experience improvement with VitreousHealth, a nutritional supplement designed to support the vitreous and reduce oxidative stress. We offer this option in our office for patients interested in trying it.

What Is VitreousHealth?

VitreousHealth is formulated with antioxidants and anti-glycation ingredients that help support the vitreous—the gel inside the eye where floaters form. Its key ingredients include:

• L-Lysine (125 mg): Helps prevent glycation, a process that stiffens collagen fibers in the vitreous.
• Vitamin C (40 mg): A potent antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress.
• Grape Seed Extract (26.3 mg, including 25 mg proanthocyanidins): Rich in antioxidants that combat free-radical damage.
• Zinc (5 mg): Supports overall eye health and may help slow vitreous degeneration.
• Citrus Fruit Extract (100 mg, including 60 mg hesperidin): A bioflavonoid that supports circulation and ocular wellness.

How These Ingredients Work Together

The VitreousHealth formula targets two key contributors to floaters:

1. Oxidative stress – which can weaken or destabilize the vitreous
2. Glycation – which causes collagen fibers to stiffen or clump, making floaters more noticeable

By supporting the health of the vitreous and protecting collagen fibers, some patients report greater visual comfort and reduced floater symptoms over time.

A Supportive Option—Not a Cure

VitreousHealth isn’t a cure for floaters and won’t remove existing debris from the vitreous. But for some patients, especially those bothered by mild-to-moderate floaters, it can be a helpful option.

If floaters are significantly impacting your daily life, your doctor can discuss whether VitreousHealth or other management strategies may be appropriate for you.

When should I worry about eye floaters and flashes?

You should have your eyes examined if you experience:

• A sudden change or rapid increase in floaters
• New or persistent flashes of light
• A shadow or curtain moving across your vision
• Blurry or distorted vision
• Symptoms after trauma

While many cases are benign, ruling out more serious causes is important.

How do you get rid of flashing eye floaters?

Floaters cannot be removed with eye drops or at-home remedies. Most fade or become less noticeable over time. Flashes, however, should always be evaluated to ensure the retina is healthy.

Once the underlying cause stabilizes, flashes typically decrease.

What are the three types of floaters?

• People often describe three common categories:
• Weiss ring floaters – Circular or ring-like shapes often linked to normal PVD
• Thread-like or cobweb floaters – Thin strands drifting in the vitreous
• Clumped or cloudy floaters – Larger shadows caused by collagen condensation

A dilated exam is the only way to determine which type you are experiencing.

Are floaters normal in children?

Floaters in children are much less common than in adults. Because they can occasionally indicate inflammation or other issues, new floaters in a child should always be evaluated.

Will my floaters go away?

Floaters rarely disappear entirely, but many fade or become far less noticeable. The brain naturally adapts to them over time. If floaters suddenly worsen or affect reading or driving, follow-up care is recommended.

If you’re experiencing sudden floaters or flashes, our team at Fuquay Eye Care is here to help. Call our Fuquay-Varina office to determine the best time to see you for an eye exam. We serve patients across Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Angier, and nearby areas.

Most patients find that floaters and flashes are harmless—but getting clarity from a professional eye exam is the safest way to protect your vision and peace of mind.