Understanding Changes in Your Vision
Seeing spots, shadows, or flashes of light can be concerning, especially when these changes appear suddenly. While occasional floaters are common, new or increasing flashes and floaters may be a sign that your eyes need further evaluation.
At Vision Care Centre, we provide comprehensive eye exams to assess changes in your vision and help identify potential concerns early. Our team is here to answer your questions and support the health of your eyes.
Book an appointment today if you are experiencing new or changing flashes and floaters.
What Are Flashes and Floaters?
Floaters
Floaters are small dark shapes that appear to move through your field of vision. They may look like dots, circles, lines, or cobweb-like shadows and are often easiest to notice when looking at a bright or light-coloured background.
Floaters appear to move as your eyes move because they are located within the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside your eye.
Flashes
Flashes appear as brief streaks of light, sparks, or lightning-like flashes in your vision. They commonly occur in your peripheral vision and typically affect one eye at a time.
Why Do Floaters Happen?
Floaters occur when small clumps of material form within the vitreous. As light enters your eye and reaches the retina, these small particles can cast shadows that appear as moving shapes in your vision.
Occasional floaters are a normal part of the eye’s natural aging process. However, a sudden increase in floaters may indicate a more serious concern and should be evaluated by an eye care professional.
Why Do Flashes Happen?
The vitreous inside your eye can sometimes pull or push against the retina. When this happens, your brain may interpret the movement as flashes of light.
A simple example is the sensation of seeing light patterns when gently rubbing your closed eyelid. These brief flashes are similar to what some people experience from changes within the eye.
When Should You Be Concerned About Flashes and Floaters?
Some flashes may occur with migraines and can appear as a temporary visual disturbance before or during a headache. These migraine-related flashes typically do not cause permanent vision loss.
However, sudden changes in your vision should always be taken seriously. Contact Vision Care Centre for an emergency eye exam if you experience:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- New flashes of light appearing alongside more floaters
- A shadow, curtain, or dark area blocking part of your vision
- Sudden changes in your ability to see clearly
These symptoms may be associated with a retinal tear or other eye emergency and require prompt evaluation.
Protecting Your Vision with Comprehensive Eye Care
Your vision can change quickly, and early detection plays an important role in protecting your long-term eye health. At Vision Care Centre, we use comprehensive eye exams to evaluate your eyes and identify concerns that may require further attention.
If you notice new flashes, floaters, or changes in your vision, our team is here to help provide the care and guidance you need.
Book your appointment today and take the next step in protecting your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Occasional floaters are common and can occur naturally as the vitreous gel inside the eye changes over time. However, a sudden increase in floaters or new flashes of light should always be evaluated by an eye care professional.
You should schedule an eye exam if you notice a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, a dark shadow or curtain-like area in your vision, or any sudden changes to your eyesight. These symptoms may require prompt attention.
Most occasional floaters are harmless, but sudden flashes and floaters can sometimes be linked to more serious concerns, such as a retinal tear or other changes within the eye that may affect vision if left untreated.
Not always. Some people experience flashes as part of a migraine with visual symptoms. However, new or sudden flashes should still be assessed to rule out potential eye health concerns.
During your appointment, our team will evaluate your vision and overall eye health, including the structures inside your eye, to look for signs of retinal changes or other concerns that may require further care.
Services We Offer:
Our Mission and Commitment to You
As a team of dedicated eye doctors and eye care professionals, we work together to “see” beyond your symptoms and transform lives through an individualized approach.
Our eye doctors in Scarborough offer a suite of eye care services, such as comprehensive eye exams, children’s eye exams, contact lens fittings, vision therapy, dry eye treatment, and more.
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Come Visit Us in Scarborough
Our clinic is located near the corner of Kingston Rd. and Markham Rd., in the Silver Mile By The Bluffs shopping mall.
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Contact Information
- Phone: 416-265-8777
- Fax: 416-265-1338
- Email: info@visioncarecentre.ca
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My family and I have always been impressed with the friendly yet extremely professional service we have enjoyed over the years. The doctors are knowledgeable and personable, the frame selection is excellent (as is the contingent of wonderful staff who are always available with honest opinions and helpful advice!) and the receptionists are fabulous and friendly. The newly renovated space is lovely as well. Well done, everyone!
Kim
I have seen Dr. Sebastian and he is the only one to have diagnosed my dry eye syndrome and I have seen others before him and did not catch this. As a result of my dry eyes my prescription was not reading accurately. I am grateful for his patience and extra care he has given me.
KoKo
My Vision Care experience was absolutely grand. I greatly value all the wonderful people there who looked after me during my visit. Everyone is extremely friendly and highly professional starting right from the time one enters the beautiful place.
The place itself provides a wonderful experience. I value all the professional advice that is given with the greatest care. For me it is a joy to come in on a regular basis and to know I am in good hands. I greatly value the care and guidance given by Dr. Ramesh.
Ingrid
We want to thank you very much for all your hard work that went into Alicia’s Neuro-Visual Therapy. It has opened Alicia’s ability to do so much more both personally and in school, and what means most to us as her parent, we see how confident Alicia is in herself and in her school work. She was always falling down a lot and she always had her head tilted to one side. Now she is focused to get her tasks done on time and the best part, correctly…
Craig and Nadine P.
When I started the program, I had trouble focusing and sitting and doing my work. Since I started the 36 week program, this has changed. I focused on getting better grades than I did in grade 2 (now in grade 3). I have got A’s in all subjects this year. Now I can sit and do my work, I am able to focus and I am not always looking around the room at other things. I used to need a ruler to read, now I don’t and I can read better and faster than I used to. I am doing great and have learned a lot through this experience.
Hannah
Contact Us
- Phone: 416-265-8777
- Fax: 416-265-1338
- Email: info@visioncarecentre.ca