Flashes, Floaters & Retinal Detachment in Adelaide

If you notice flashes of light, new floaters, or a shadow across your vision, it could be a warning sign of a retinal tear or detachment. These conditions require urgent care to prevent permanent vision loss.

At Innovative Eye Care, our Adelaide optometrists provide immediate assessment, diagnosis, and referral when necessary.

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What Are Flashes & Floaters?

Floaters appear as specks, dots, or cobwebs in your vision.

Floaters appear as specks, dots, or cobwebs in your vision.
Flashes are sudden streaks of light, often caused by the vitreous gel pulling on the retina.

Most are harmless, but a sudden increase in floaters or flashes may indicate a retinal tear.

Retinal Tear Symptoms to Watch For

Patients often search “symptoms of retinal tear”. These include:

New or worsening floaters
Sudden light flashes in one eye
A dark curtain or shadow in vision
Blurred or distorted central vision

If untreated, a retinal tear can progress to a retinal detachment.

Early Signs of Retinal Detachment

Searches like “early signs of retinal detachment” reflect urgent intent. Warning signs include:

Curtain or shadow moving across vision
Loss of peripheral vision
Sudden drop in visual clarity

This is a medical emergency, same-day assessment is critical.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

A posterior vitreous detachment is common with age and often harmless. However, because PVD can cause traction, it sometimes leads to retinal tears or detachment. Our optometrists can confirm the diagnosis with a dilated fundus exam.

Diagnostic Tests: Dilated Fundus Exams & Retinal Imaging

We use dilated fundus exams, scleral depression, and retinal imaging to carefully examine the retina. This ensures tears or detachments are identified early.

Urgent Eye Care in Adelaide

If you notice:

Sudden flashes of light
New floaters
A shadow or curtain in your vision