Floaters may look like spots, strands, or cobwebs that move through the field of vision. Flashes may appear as brief streaks or arcs of light. These symptoms commonly occur when the gel inside the eye separates from the retina, a change called a posterior vitreous detachment.
Most posterior vitreous detachments do not cause lasting harm, but the same symptoms can occur when the retina tears. A dilated retinal examination is the only reliable way to check for a tear or detachment. Follow-up may be recommended because a tear can occasionally develop after the first examination.