Flashes and floaters are terms typically associated with the symptoms of a posterior vitreous detachment. The vitreous is a clear jelly like substance that fills the interior of the eye. With aging, it takes on a more fluid consistency. The vitreous is encased in a loose sac like material which is loosely attached to the retina. A posterior vitreous detachment occurs when this sac separates from the retina. Typically when this occurs, symptoms include intermittent flashing lights, new floaters, cobwebs, and perhaps a shower of black dots.
The flashing light symptom comes from the traction of the vitreous gel on the retina at the time of vitreous separation. As the vitreous tugs on the retina, a flashing light symptom is produced. The floater symptom is produced by the newly separated vitreous now visibly floating in front of the retina. Floaters may also be due to a tear of a retinal blood vessel.
The major concern sometimes associated with flashes and floaters is that of associated retinal tears. Retinal tears accompany posterior vitreous detachment 10 to 15 percent of the time. It is the presence of these retinal tears that may increase the chance of developing a retinal detachment.
Usually with time flashes and floaters will become less apparent though the floaters may not disappear entirely.
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