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Warning-sign checks

Floaters and flashes in the eyes: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    If same-day eye care is unavailable, use an urgent care or emergency service.

    Call emergency services for sudden vision trouble with weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, severe imbalance, confusion, or an unusually severe headache.

    These can indicate a problem affecting the brain.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a same-day urgent eye assessment if:

    • Floaters or flashes suddenly appear for the first time
    • The number of floaters suddenly increases
    • You see a dark curtain, veil, or shadow
    • Part of your vision is missing, blurred, or reduced
    • Symptoms start after an eye injury or recent eye operation
    • New floaters or flashes occur with eye pain or marked redness

    Do not wait for symptoms to settle.

    Contact an optometrist or ophthalmologist who can examine the retina through a dilated pupil.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if stable, longstanding floaters interfere with reading, driving, or daily activities, or if you remain concerned about a visual symptom.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Floaters and flashes in the eyes. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.