- email: contact@annecy-ophtalmo.fr
- 645 Route de Champ Farçon, 74370 Argonay
- Call us: +33 450230323
Floaters and flashes of light: when to worry?
Small dots or threads floating in the visual field (“floaters”), flashes of light: these signs are often benign, but may herald a retinal tear. Recognising them helps avoid missing an emergency.
What floaters are
The vitreous, the transparent gel filling the eye, liquefies with age and separates from the retina. The resulting small opacities cast shadows on the retina: they appear to move when the eye moves, especially against a light background.
Warning signs
- Sudden appearance of many new floaters, or a ring.
- Flashes of light in the corner of the eye.
- A black veil or curtain spreading across the visual field, reduced vision.
The examination
A fundus examination after pupil dilation allows a tear to be looked for. It is painless; dilation affects near vision and driving for a few hours (see preparing for your consultation).
Treatments
Long-standing, stable floaters usually receive no treatment: the brain gets used to them. A retinal tear can be treated with laser to prevent detachment.
Frequently asked questions
Do floaters disappear?
They often become less noticeable over time as the brain gradually ignores them, without necessarily disappearing.
Should I seek advice if I have had them for a long time?
An initial check-up is useful to ensure that the retina is healthy; any sudden change requires another examination without delay.
Can laser remove them?
Some techniques are available but are not suitable for every eye: the decision is made during a consultation.
Learn more
Our doctors
- Dr Lorane Bechetsurgical and medical retina, cataracts
- Dr Florian Baudincornea, refractive surgery, cataracts, glaucoma, medical retina
- Dr Florian Chaiseeyelids, cataracts, refractive surgery, medical retina
- Dr Aurélia Gaveeyelids, cataracts, refractive surgery, medical retina
- Dr Xavier Piquotcataracts, refractive surgery, medical retina, glaucoma
- Dr Patrice Moyeninmedical retina, vision assessments
On the website
Sources and external information
In the event of sudden loss of vision or pain, see eye emergencies.
Your ophthalmologist answers your questions during the consultation. For a sudden symptom or sudden loss of vision, seek advice promptly: see the eye emergencies page.
Our practices
Annecy-Argonay
645 route de Champ Farçon, 74370 Argonay
Faverges
27 place Gambetta, 74210 Faverges
Rumilly
5 rue Frédéric Girod, 74150 Rumilly
Sallanches
35 rue Emma Lanche, 74700 Sallanches
04 50 23 03 23Book an appointmentDirections and parkingReception Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm