The NHS has issued guidance for anyone concerned about changes to their eyesight, particularly those noticing dots, lines, or flashes in their vision. The advice comes as many people search for eye problems following the solar eclipse.
What are floaters and flashes?
The NHS explains that "dots and lines (floaters) or flashes of light in your vision are common" and are usually not serious. They often occur as part of the ageing process. The health service states: "Lots of people, particularly older people, get floaters and flashes. They're usually caused by a harmless process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), where the gel inside your eyes changes."
However, they can also be caused by retinal detachment, which is serious and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated. Floaters and flashes can also happen for no obvious reason.
Symptoms and when to seek urgent help
Floaters in your vision can look like small dark dots, squiggly lines, rings, or cobwebs. Flashes appear as sudden flashes of light. They are usually harmless and not a sign of anything serious, especially if you have had them for a long time, they are not getting worse, and your vision is not affected. Flashes may eventually stop, and floaters often become less noticeable as you get used to them.
You may need to contact 111 or your opticians if you have floaters or flashes for the first time, they suddenly increase, you have a dark "curtain" or shadow moving across your vision, you also have blurred vision or eye pain, or floaters start after eye surgery or an eye injury.
The NHS explains: "These could be signs of a serious problem with the back of your eye, which could permanently affect your vision if it's not treated quickly." You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
What happens at the optician?
If you are experiencing floaters or flashes, an optician will examine your eyes to decide whether you need to be referred to an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for further tests or treatment. In most cases, treatment is only needed if there is an underlying issue that could affect your sight.
