What Does a Flash in My Vision Mean?
Understanding Flashes, Floaters, and When to See a Retina Specialist
Have you ever noticed a sudden flash of light in your vision, like a camera going off when no one’s taking a photo? Or spotted squiggly lines or drifting specks that seem to float across your field of view? While these visual disturbances might seem harmless, they could be your eyes signaling something much more serious.
At Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun, our retina specialists help patients across East Tennessee understand what these symptoms mean and what to do next.
What Are Flashes and Floaters?
Floaters are small clumps of collagen or gel that form in the vitreous humor—the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye. These particles cast shadows on the retina, appearing as:
- Threads or squiggles
- Specks or spots
- Cobweb-like shapes
They’re especially noticeable when looking at bright backgrounds like a blue sky or white wall.
Flashes, on the other hand, are brief bursts of light or streaks in your vision. They happen when the vitreous pulls on the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. This tugging stimulates the retina, making you perceive light even when none is present, like a quick flicker or lightning bolt in the corner of your eye.
Why Do Flashes Happen?
As we age, the vitreous begins to shrink and separate from the retina in a process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This is a normal part of aging, but in some cases, the tugging can be strong enough to tear the retina, leading to retinal detachment, a vision-threatening emergency.
When to Be Concerned: Warning Signs of Retinal Tear or Detachment
While occasional floaters or flashes may be harmless, new or worsening symptoms should never be ignored. Contact us immediately if you experience:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- New flashes of light in one or both eyes
- A shadow or curtain descending over part of your vision
- Blurred, distorted, or tunnel vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light
These could be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which often requires urgent laser treatment or surgery to prevent permanent vision loss.
How We Can Help at Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun
At our offices in Knoxville, Powell, Newport, Sevierville, and Maryville, we offer advanced diagnostic tools—including dilated retinal exams, OCT imaging, and ultrasound—to identify retinal problems quickly and accurately.
If you’re experiencing flashes or floaters, our retina team will:
- Perform a comprehensive eye exam
- Evaluate for retinal tears, holes, or detachments
- Provide immediate treatment if necessary to preserve your vision
Early detection makes all the difference. In many cases, a retinal tear caught early can be sealed with a simple laser procedure before it leads to detachment.
Call us at 865-584-0905 or click HERE to request an appointment at one or our East Tennessee locations.
Don’t wait for symptoms to escalate. Your vision is too important to ignore warning signs. Let our experienced retina specialists provide the care and peace of mind you deserve—right here in East Tennessee.