Flashes, Floaters and Sudden Vision Loss: When an Eye Problem Is an Emergency

Most eye complaints are minor and can wait for a routine visit. A small number, though, are genuine emergencies, where getting seen quickly can mean the difference between saving and losing vision. It is worth knowing which is which.

Floaters and flashes: usually harmless, sometimes not

Those little specks or cobwebs that drift across your vision are floaters. They are extremely common and usually harmless, the result of normal changes in the jelly inside the eye. The odd flash of light can be normal too.

Some patterns, however, deserve urgent attention:

• A sudden shower of new floaters, especially alongside flashes of light.
• A dark curtain or shadow spreading across part of your vision.
• A sudden loss of your side vision.

These can point to a retinal tear or detachment, where the retina begins pulling away from the back of the eye. Treated early, often within hours to a few days, the outlook is good. Left too long, it can cause permanent loss.

Other symptoms that shouldn’t wait

• Sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye.
• Sudden severe eye pain with redness, haloes and nausea, which can mean acute glaucoma.
• A chemical splash or any significant eye injury.
• Sudden double vision, or a drooping eyelid with pain.
• Any red, painful eye in a contact lens wearer. Take the lens out and get seen.

The simple rule

Gradual changes usually leave room for a routine appointment. Sudden changes, whether in vision, with pain, or a new curtain, flashes or floaters, deserve urgent attention the same day.

When in doubt, it is always safer to call and ask. You can reach our team through the contact page, and read about our retina services here.

With the eye, gradual is usually patient and sudden is usually urgent. When something changes fast, please do not wait it out.

This article is general information, not a substitute for a personal consultation. If you have sudden eye symptoms, please seek care promptly.