Floaters and Flashes: When Are They Normal and When Are They an Emergency? (Edmonton Eye Health)

Written by the Charm Optical Team • April 7, 2026

You're reading a book, scrolling your phone, or staring out the window on a bright Edmonton afternoon, and you notice it: a tiny translucent squiggle drifting across your field of vision. Maybe a dark speck. Maybe something that looks like a cobweb. You try to look directly at it, and it floats away.

Those are eye floaters, and just about everyone sees them at some point. Most of the time, they're completely harmless. But here's where it gets important: if floaters suddenly multiply, or you start seeing flashes of light alongside them, that can be a sign of something much more serious, including a retinal emergency that needs same-day attention.

This guide breaks down exactly what floaters and flashes are, what causes them, and how to tell the difference between "this is totally normal" and "I need to call an eye doctor right now." If you're in Edmonton and you're worried about what you're seeing, this is for you.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are small shapes that drift through your field of vision. They might look like dots, threads, rings, cobwebs, or squiggly lines. They're most noticeable when you look at something plain and bright, like a white wall, a blue sky, or a computer screen.

Floaters aren't actually on the surface of your eye. They're inside it. Your eye is filled with a gel-like substance called the vitreous humour (yes, that's the real name). Over time, tiny fibres within this gel clump together and cast shadows on your retina. Those shadows are what you see as floaters.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, floaters are one of the most common visual phenomena people experience. Most adults will notice at least a few by their 40s or 50s, though younger people can get them too.

The key thing to understand: floaters themselves are usually not the problem. They're a symptom. The question is always what's causing them.

What Are Flashes in Vision?

Flashes are brief bursts or streaks of light that you see even when there's no external light source causing them. Some people describe them as lightning bolts, camera flashes, or flickering stars at the edge of their vision.

Flashes happen when something physically tugs on or stimulates your retina. The retina doesn't feel pain, but when it gets pulled or irritated, it sends a light signal to your brain. Your brain interprets that signal as a flash, even though no actual light entered your eye.

You might have experienced a mild version of this if you've ever rubbed your eyes hard and seen spots or sparkles. That's mechanical stimulation of the retina.

Occasional flashes, especially in a dark room, aren't always cause for alarm. But persistent or new flashes, particularly when combined with a sudden increase in floaters, are a red flag that needs prompt evaluation. The AAO notes that flashes of light can indicate vitreous pulling away from the retina, which sometimes leads to a tear.

Why Do Floaters Happen? Common Causes

Several things can cause floaters, and they range from completely benign to medically urgent.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

This is the most common cause in people over 50. As you age, the vitreous gel inside your eye shrinks and pulls away from the retina. When it separates, it can create clumps or strands that cast shadows. PVD is a normal part of aging and happens to most people eventually.

PVD itself isn't dangerous. But the process of the vitreous pulling away can sometimes tear the retina, and that's when it becomes an emergency. About 10-15% of PVD cases involve a retinal tear, according to clinical studies.

Age-Related Changes

Even without a full PVD, the vitreous gel changes texture over the decades. Collagen fibres within it break down and clump together. This is why a 25-year-old might see one or two floaters while a 65-year-old sees a dozen. Perfectly normal, though understandably annoying.

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

People with moderate to high myopia tend to develop floaters earlier and more frequently. Myopic eyes are longer than average, which puts more stress on the vitreous and retina. If you've worn glasses for distance vision since childhood, you may notice floaters sooner than your friends with 20/20 vision.

Eye Surgery or Injury

Cataract surgery, LASIK, and eye injuries can all trigger floaters. Any disturbance to the vitreous can release cellular debris that shows up as new floaters. These usually settle down over weeks to months.

Eye Inflammation (Uveitis)

Inflammation inside the eye can release white blood cells into the vitreous, which appear as floaters. Uveitis requires treatment, so floaters accompanied by eye pain, redness, or light sensitivity should be evaluated promptly.

Retinal Tear or Detachment

This is the serious one. If the vitreous pulls hard enough to tear the retina, fluid can seep behind it and cause the retina to peel away from the back of the eye. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

Normal Floaters vs. Emergency Signs: How to Tell the Difference in Edmonton

This is the section most people are looking for. Here's a clear comparison:

Normal (Usually Harmless)	Emergency (See a Doctor Immediately)
A few small floaters that have been there for weeks or months	A sudden shower of many new floaters
Floaters that drift slowly and settle	Floaters accompanied by flashes of light
More noticeable on bright days or against white backgrounds	A dark shadow or curtain moving across your vision
Occasional tiny specks when tired or dehydrated	Sudden blurry vision in one eye alongside floaters
Floaters that have been stable for years	Any sudden change in the number, size, or type of floaters
Your brain mostly tunes them out	You feel like something is fundamentally different about your vision

The word "sudden" is doing a lot of work in that right column. Gradual, slow changes over months or years? Usually fine. A dramatic change over hours or days? That needs professional attention.

When Floaters and Flashes Are an Emergency in Edmonton

If you experience any of the following, contact an eye care professional the same day. If it's after hours, go to the Royal Alexandra Hospital or University of Alberta Hospital emergency department, both of which have ophthalmology services.

• A sudden burst of new floaters (dozens appearing within minutes or hours)
• Flashes of light in your peripheral vision, especially repeated flashes
• A shadow or dark curtain spreading across part of your visual field
• Sudden loss of peripheral vision
• Floaters after a blow to the head or eye (even if minor)

These symptoms can indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which is time-sensitive. Treatment within the first 24-48 hours dramatically improves outcomes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology emphasises that retinal detachment is painless, which is exactly why people sometimes delay seeking help. Don't wait for pain that won't come.

Edmonton has excellent retinal specialists. Your optometrist can do a dilated eye exam and, if they find a tear, refer you to an ophthalmologist the same day. The system moves fast once a tear is identified.

Retinal Detachment: The Emergency Every Edmontonian Should Know About

Retinal detachment sounds scary, and honestly, it should be taken seriously. But catching it early makes all the difference.

Here's what happens: the retina is the thin layer of tissue at the back of your eye that captures light and sends signals to your brain. If it tears, fluid from the vitreous can slip through the tear and push the retina away from its supporting tissue. Once detached, the retina can't function properly, and the affected area of your vision goes dark.

Think of it like wallpaper peeling off a wall. A small tear can be sealed before the whole sheet comes off. But once a large section detaches, reattaching it becomes a much bigger procedure, and some vision loss may be permanent.

Risk factors for retinal detachment include:

• Age over 50
• High myopia (nearsightedness beyond -6.00 dioptres)
• Previous cataract surgery
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Previous retinal detachment in the other eye
• Eye trauma (sports injuries, accidents)

If any of these apply to you, mention them at your next eye exam. Your optometrist can pay extra attention to your retina during the dilated exam.

Causes of Floaters and Flashes at Every Age

Floaters and flashes aren't just an "older person thing." Different causes are more common at different life stages.

Age Group	Common Causes of Floaters	Common Causes of Flashes
Children & Teens	Rare; usually congenital vitreous strands or eye inflammation	Migraine with aura (visual disturbances lasting 20-30 minutes)
20s – 30s	Myopia-related; eye strain; minor vitreous changes	Ocular migraine; fatigue; screen-related visual stress
40s – 50s	Early vitreous degeneration; increased myopic changes	Early PVD; migraine with aura (can start in midlife)
60s+	PVD (most common); post-cataract surgery; diabetic eye changes	PVD-related traction on retina; retinal tear risk highest

Notice how the causes shift as you age. For younger adults in Edmonton, floaters are usually related to myopia or screen fatigue. For those over 50, PVD becomes the leading factor, and the risk of retinal complications increases.

Who Gets More Floaters? Risk Factors

Some people are more prone to floaters than others. You're at higher risk if you:

• Are over 50. The vitreous gel starts liquefying and shrinking with age.
• Are nearsighted. Myopic eyes have a longer vitreous cavity, which makes changes more likely.
• Have had cataract surgery. The procedure can accelerate vitreous changes.
• Have diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy can cause bleeding into the vitreous, which appears as floaters.
• Have experienced eye trauma. Even minor impact sports can shake loose vitreous fibres.
• Have a family history. If a parent had a retinal tear or detachment, your risk is higher.

Edmonton's population includes a lot of active, outdoorsy people. Whether you're playing hockey in Terwillegar, skiing at Snow Valley, or cycling the River Valley trails near Whitemud, eye protection matters. A puck, a branch, or an accidental elbow can trigger vitreous changes that show up as new floaters weeks later.

What to Expect During an Eye Floater Exam in Edmonton

If you come in concerned about floaters or flashes, here's what a typical examination looks like at our Ellerslie location:

1. Case history. Your optometrist will ask when the floaters started, how many you see, whether you've noticed flashes, and whether anything has changed recently.
2. Visual acuity test. Standard letter chart to check whether your vision has been affected.
3. Pupil dilation. Eye drops will widen your pupils so the optometrist can see your retina clearly. This takes about 20-30 minutes to kick in and your vision will be blurry for 2-4 hours afterward. Bring sunglasses or arrange a ride, especially in winter when Edmonton's snow glare can be intense.
4. Dilated retinal exam. Using a special lens and bright light, your optometrist examines the vitreous, retina, and optic nerve in detail. They're looking for vitreous debris (your floaters), retinal tears, holes, thinning, or signs of detachment.
5. Peripheral retina check. They'll look carefully at the edges of your retina, where tears most commonly occur.
6. Retinal imaging (if needed). Some clinics use OCT (optical coherence tomography) or wide-field retinal photography to document the retina's condition for comparison at future visits.

The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes. A comprehensive eye exam at Charm Optical is $99, and we direct bill to Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life), Desjardins, AISH, and Alberta Works, so you may owe nothing out of pocket.

Can Floaters Be Treated?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer depends on the type and severity.

Benign floaters (the majority)

Most floaters don't require treatment. Over weeks and months, your brain learns to ignore them. They may also settle below your line of sight as the vitreous continues to change. It's frustrating, but it does get better for most people.

Laser vitreolysis

A procedure called YAG laser vitreolysis can break up large, persistent floaters. A retinal specialist uses a laser to vaporise the clumps of vitreous debris. It's not available everywhere, and it's typically reserved for floaters that significantly impact daily life. Not all floaters are good candidates for this treatment.

Vitrectomy

In severe cases, a surgeon can remove the vitreous gel entirely and replace it with a saline solution. This eliminates floaters completely, but it's a major surgery with real risks (cataract formation, retinal detachment, infection). It's only considered when floaters are truly debilitating.

Retinal tear treatment

If a tear is found, treatment is typically laser photocoagulation (a laser "welds" the retina back in place) or cryopexy (a freezing treatment). Both can be done the same day and are highly effective at preventing a tear from progressing to a full detachment.

The takeaway: treatment options exist, but the first step is always a proper exam to determine what's causing the floaters. A $99 eye exam is a small price for peace of mind.

Protecting Your Eyes: Prevention Tips for Edmonton Residents

You can't fully prevent floaters (aging happens to everyone), but you can reduce your risk of the dangerous kind:

• Wear protective eyewear during sports. This is huge for hockey players, racquet sport enthusiasts, and anyone doing DIY projects. Prescription sport glasses or safety frames can prevent trauma-related retinal damage.
• Manage diabetes carefully. Uncontrolled blood sugar damages retinal blood vessels, which can cause bleeding and floaters. Edmonton has excellent diabetes clinics; use them.
• Get regular eye exams. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years for adults, and annually after age 65. Catching retinal thinning or small tears early, before symptoms appear, is the best prevention.
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses. Alberta gets over 300 days of some sunshine annually, and the snow glare in winter essentially doubles your UV exposure. Quality sunglasses protect your retina from cumulative UV damage.
• Know your family history. If a parent or sibling has had a retinal detachment, tell your optometrist. They'll monitor your retina more closely.

Finding an Eye Doctor for Floaters Near Me in Edmonton

If you're searching for an optometrist in Edmonton to check your floaters, here's what to look for: a clinic that does comprehensive dilated exams (not just a quick refraction for glasses), direct billing to your insurance, and same-day or next-day availability for urgent concerns.

Charm Optical is located at 5035 Ellerslie Rd SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 1X2, serving South Edmonton neighbourhoods including Ellerslie, Heritage Valley, Summerside, Walker, Allard, and Orchards. We also see patients from across the city, from Windermere and Terwillegar on the west side to Mill Woods and The Meadows on the east.

Our comprehensive eye exams are $99 and include a thorough retinal evaluation. If you're experiencing new floaters or flashes and want them assessed quickly, give us a call at (780) 490-0090 and let us know it's urgent. We'll do our best to fit you in the same day if the doctor is available.

You can also book an eye exam online at see.charmoptical.ca for non-urgent appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Floaters and Flashes

Are eye floaters dangerous?

The vast majority of floaters are harmless. They're caused by age-related changes in the vitreous gel inside your eye and don't threaten your vision. The danger arises when floaters appear suddenly in large numbers, especially alongside flashes of light, which can indicate a retinal tear or detachment. If you've had the same few floaters for months or years, they're almost certainly benign. If something changes abruptly, get it checked.

When should I go to the emergency room for floaters?

Go to the ER (or call your optometrist for same-day evaluation) if you experience a sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light in your peripheral vision, a dark shadow or curtain moving across your visual field, or sudden loss of side vision. These are potential signs of retinal detachment, which requires treatment within 24-48 hours for the best outcomes. In Edmonton, the Royal Alexandra Hospital and University of Alberta Hospital both have ophthalmology departments.

Can screen time cause floaters?

Screen time doesn't directly cause floaters. However, staring at a bright, uniform screen (especially a white background) can make existing floaters more noticeable. You're not creating new ones by working on your computer all day; you're just more aware of the ones already there. That said, extended screen use does contribute to eye strain, dry eyes, and fatigue, all of which are worth addressing at your next eye exam.

Do floaters ever go away on their own?

Sometimes, yes. Small floaters can settle below your line of sight over weeks or months, effectively disappearing from your awareness. Your brain also adapts remarkably well and learns to filter them out. Larger floaters tend to be more persistent. They rarely vanish completely, but most people report that they become much less noticeable over time. If a floater continues to significantly interfere with your daily activities after several months, discuss treatment options with your optometrist.

How much does an eye exam for floaters cost in Edmonton?

At Charm Optical, a comprehensive eye exam (which includes a retinal evaluation for floaters) is $99. We direct bill to Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life), Desjardins, AISH, and Alberta Works. Depending on your coverage, you may have no out-of-pocket cost. Alberta Health Care covers annual eye exams for children under 19 and adults 65+. For everyone else, most employer benefit plans include eye exam coverage. Book online or call (780) 490-0090.

Can young people get floaters?

Absolutely. While floaters are more common after 50, younger adults, especially those with myopia (nearsightedness), can notice them in their 20s and 30s. High screen use, eye strain, and dehydration can make existing floaters more apparent. Floaters in young people are usually benign, but any sudden onset still warrants a professional evaluation to rule out retinal issues.

What's the difference between floaters and flashes?

Floaters are shadows cast by debris floating in the vitreous gel. They move with your eye and drift when you try to look at them directly. Flashes are bursts or streaks of light caused by physical stimulation of the retina, often from the vitreous tugging on it. Think of floaters as things you see "in" your vision, and flashes as brief light events at the edges. Both can be normal in isolation, but the combination of new floaters with new flashes is a warning sign that needs prompt attention.