[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":921},["ShallowReactive",2],{"microcopies":3,"page-data-\u002Feye-health\u002Ffloaters-flashes":9},{"of":4,"jumpToSection":5,"home":6,"availableAt":7,"accessedUpdated":8},"of","Jump to section","Home","Available at","Accessed",{"queryData":10,"breadcrumbTrail":920},{"contentPage":11},{"entryTitle":12,"pageTitle":13,"seoMetaData":14,"topSection":18,"bottomSection":30,"anchors":44,"mainSectionCollection":77},"en-GB - Eye Health - Floaters and Flashes - Content Page","Floaters & Flashes | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment",{"metaDescription":15,"indexed":16,"follow":16,"metaKeywords":17,"updatedForProjectAlphabet":16},"Seeing floaters or flashes in your vision? Learn what causes them, when to get help and how Specsavers can support your eye health.",true,null,{"__typename":19,"sys":20,"title":22,"subtitle":23,"theme":24,"heroHeightVersion":25,"button":26},"HeroBanner",{"id":21},"1DQunZAxeixRXfSpiEYzo3","Eye floaters and flashes (black dots)","What are eye floaters and flashes, why do we get them, and how to know if they're a sign of something serious.","Ellipse","Condensed",{"linkText":27,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Book an appointment","\u002Fbook\u002Flocation",false,{"__typename":31,"sys":32,"title":34,"body":35,"buttonsCollection":36},"FullWidthBannerFooter",{"id":33},"fkTTrqXbtBwlZYYOQQpni","Get expert eye advice","If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, or have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.",{"items":37},[38,41],{"linkText":39,"linkUrl":40,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Contact your local store","\u002Fstores",{"linkText":42,"linkUrl":43,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"See more eye conditions","\u002Feye-health",{"anchorLinksCollection":45},{"items":46},[47,52,57,62,67,72],{"anchorLabel":48,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":49},"Overview",{"sys":50},{"id":51},"6p9jsg1RCs3GI0BebOoOM0",{"anchorLabel":53,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":54},"Symptoms",{"sys":55},{"id":56},"2DIlm6vu291mUgxvWTNOlA",{"anchorLabel":58,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":59},"Causes",{"sys":60},{"id":61},"U1b8PFcO0fP4omh4UlLvZ",{"anchorLabel":63,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":64},"Diagnosis",{"sys":65},{"id":66},"6KIKT9tgamnXnWAsN3jkDU",{"anchorLabel":68,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":69},"Treatment",{"sys":70},{"id":71},"5HrB1bR4mzvlysvKPMByBl",{"anchorLabel":73,"includeLinkInPageNav":16,"anchorTarget":74},"Prevention",{"sys":75},{"id":76},"3zsXvlCCNTGVcIkzBdli8Z",{"items":78},[79,86,116,183,199,369,413,490,586,779,803,821,846],{"__typename":80,"sys":81,"linkEntries":82,"title":84,"body":85,"leftAligned":29},"Summary",{"id":51},{"items":83},[],"What are eye floaters and flashes? ","Eye floaters are tiny, semi-transparent shapes caused by small clumps of protein or tissue floating around the gel inside your eye and casting shadows on your retina. Floaters can come with bright flickers or flashes, like sparks in your vision. These happen when the vitreous gel tugs on the retina.",{"__typename":87,"sys":88,"theme":90,"genericTextComponent":91},"ContentTypeRichText",{"id":89},"3t6gNaDBHkbP4ZG6iDaDpo","Cool Blue",{"json":92,"links":113},{"nodeType":93,"data":94,"content":95},"document",{},[96,105],{"nodeType":97,"data":98,"content":99},"heading-2",{},[100],{"nodeType":101,"value":102,"marks":103,"data":104},"text","More about eye floaters",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":107,"content":108},"paragraph",{},[109],{"nodeType":101,"value":110,"marks":111,"data":112},"It sounds alarming, but the truth is, eye floaters are usually harmless. You might notice them more in the morning, when looking at plain surfaces, or after reading or rubbing your eyes. Flashes are often nothing serious, but they can sometimes be a sign of a bigger issue, like a tear or detachment in the retina. If you notice flashes, you should get them checked urgently. ",[],{},{"entries":114},{"block":115},[],{"__typename":87,"sys":117,"theme":118,"genericTextComponent":119},{"id":56},"Mono White",{"json":120,"links":180},{"data":121,"content":122,"nodeType":93},{},[123,130,138,145,152,159,166,173],{"data":124,"content":125,"nodeType":97},{},[126],{"data":127,"marks":128,"value":129,"nodeType":101},{},[],"What are the symptoms of eye floaters and flashes?",{"data":131,"content":132,"nodeType":137},{},[133],{"data":134,"marks":135,"value":136,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Symptoms of eye floaters ","heading-3",{"data":139,"content":140,"nodeType":106},{},[141],{"data":142,"marks":143,"value":144,"nodeType":101},{},[],"These show up as dark or transparent shapes moving across your field of vision. They might look like small dots or specks, thin threads or squiggly lines, or floating blobs and cobwebs. You’ll probably notice them more when you’re looking at something plain and bright, like a clear sky or a white wall. They usually move when your eyes move and drift slowly when your eyes stop. ",{"data":146,"content":147,"nodeType":137},{},[148],{"data":149,"marks":150,"value":151,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Symptoms of eye flashes ",{"data":153,"content":154,"nodeType":106},{},[155],{"data":156,"marks":157,"value":158,"nodeType":101},{},[],"These usually show up as brief flashes or flickers of light, mostly at the edges of your vision. They can look like small streaks, quick bursts (like a camera flash), or flickering in the side of your eye. You might notice them more when it's dark or if you move your eyes quickly.  ",{"data":160,"content":161,"nodeType":106},{},[162],{"data":163,"marks":164,"value":165,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Flashing lights in your vision can be a sign of the vitreous jelly inside your eye moving around, or more rarely, can be associated with a problem with the retina, such as a retinal tear or detachment. If you notice flashing lights as well as a loss of vision or a shadow across your vision, then this needs to be checked urgently. ",{"data":167,"content":168,"nodeType":137},{},[169],{"data":170,"marks":171,"value":172,"nodeType":101},{},[],"If your symptoms get worse ",{"data":174,"content":175,"nodeType":106},{},[176],{"data":177,"marks":178,"value":179,"nodeType":101},{},[],"If either symptom suddenly gets worse, or you notice a sudden shower of new eye floaters and flashes, it’s important to get your eyes checked straight away. It could be a sign of a more serious issue, like a retinal tear or detachment. ",{"entries":181},{"block":182},[],{"__typename":184,"sys":185,"title":187,"body":188,"imageAltText":189,"theme":190,"imageMobileTablet":191,"imageDesktop":193,"buttonsCollection":195},"SplitBanner",{"id":186},"4fT9uhhv8gsCWbft8wryV5","Do these symptoms sound familiar?","If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above it's worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.","An optician delivers an eye test to a customer","Aloe Green",{"url":192},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F3YtjE1RIi3ELfhdPGTDHkA\u002Fabb782bb611c9ec4d2ff0f4e0d803198\u002FClinical-Shoot-2003---Eye-Test-1---1536x864.jpg",{"url":194},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F7hJUdeEsd53lRq2Gqrd11i\u002Fc253b9299edbd53d85f6cb528dd842d3\u002FClinical-Shoot-2003---Eye-Test-1---940x1000.jpg",{"items":196},[197],{"linkText":198,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Book an eye test",{"__typename":87,"sys":200,"theme":90,"genericTextComponent":201},{"id":61},{"json":202,"links":366},{"data":203,"content":204,"nodeType":93},{},[205,212,219,334,341,348],{"data":206,"content":207,"nodeType":97},{},[208],{"data":209,"marks":210,"value":211,"nodeType":101},{},[],"What causes eye floaters and flashes?",{"data":213,"content":214,"nodeType":106},{},[215],{"data":216,"marks":217,"value":218,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Floaters and flashes are often harmless, but some can signal a bigger issue. ",{"data":220,"content":221,"nodeType":333},{},[222,252,279,306],{"data":223,"content":224,"nodeType":251},{},[225],{"data":226,"content":227,"nodeType":106},{},[228,234,238,247],{"data":229,"marks":230,"value":233,"nodeType":101},{},[231],{"type":232},"bold","Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD):",{"data":235,"marks":236,"value":237,"nodeType":101},{},[]," This is the most common cause of eye floaters and flashes. ",{"data":239,"content":241,"nodeType":246},{"uri":240},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fposterior-vitreous-detachment",[242],{"data":243,"marks":244,"value":245,"nodeType":101},{},[],"PVD","hyperlink",{"data":248,"marks":249,"value":250,"nodeType":101},{},[]," happens naturally as we get older; the gel inside the eye (vitreous humour) starts to shrink and pull away from the retina. You might notice floaters that look like threads, dots, or cobwebs drifting across your vision, sometimes with flashes at the edges. It usually settles over time and doesn’t need treatment.","list-item",{"data":253,"content":254,"nodeType":251},{},[255],{"data":256,"content":257,"nodeType":106},{},[258,263,267,275],{"data":259,"marks":260,"value":262,"nodeType":101},{},[261],{"type":232},"Retinal tear or detachment: ",{"data":264,"marks":265,"value":266,"nodeType":101},{},[],"In some cases, the shrinking vitreous gel can tug too hard on the retina and cause a tear, which can lead to ",{"data":268,"content":270,"nodeType":246},{"uri":269},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fdetached-retina",[271],{"data":272,"marks":273,"value":274,"nodeType":101},{},[],"retinal detachment",{"data":276,"marks":277,"value":278,"nodeType":101},{},[]," if left untreated. Watch out for a sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or dark curtain in your vision. This is an eye emergency and needs treatment straight away to prevent permanent vision loss. Retinal tears can often be sealed with laser treatment. If the retina has detached, surgery is needed. ",{"data":280,"content":281,"nodeType":251},{},[282],{"data":283,"content":284,"nodeType":106},{},[285,290,294,302],{"data":286,"marks":287,"value":289,"nodeType":101},{},[288],{"type":232},"Vitreomacular traction:",{"data":291,"marks":292,"value":293,"nodeType":101},{},[]," Sometimes, the gel in the eye pulls on the central part of the retina (the macula) instead of separating cleanly. This can cause blurred vision and flashing lights. ",{"data":295,"content":297,"nodeType":246},{"uri":296},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fvitreomacular-traction",[298],{"data":299,"marks":300,"value":301,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Vitreomacular traction",{"data":303,"marks":304,"value":305,"nodeType":101},{},[]," is more common in people with other eye conditions and may need treatment if the pulling is severe.",{"data":307,"content":308,"nodeType":251},{},[309],{"data":310,"content":311,"nodeType":106},{},[312,317,321,329],{"data":313,"marks":314,"value":316,"nodeType":101},{},[315],{"type":232},"Ocular migraine: ",{"data":318,"marks":319,"value":320,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Flashes or zig-zag patterns in your vision,  sometimes with blurry patches or temporary loss of sight, could be a sign of an ocular migraine. ",{"data":322,"content":324,"nodeType":246},{"uri":323},"\u002Feye-health\u002Focular-migraines",[325],{"data":326,"marks":327,"value":328,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Ocular migraines",{"data":330,"marks":331,"value":332,"nodeType":101},{},[]," often pass on their own, but can feel unsettling if you’ve never had one before. If you’re not sure, it’s worth getting checked.","unordered-list",{"data":335,"content":336,"nodeType":137},{},[337],{"data":338,"marks":339,"value":340,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Other causes of eye floaters and flashes",{"data":342,"content":343,"nodeType":106},{},[344],{"data":345,"marks":346,"value":347,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Floaters and flashes can also be linked to other eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy or inflammation in the eye. These are less common, but they may need treatment with eye drops, injections, laser or surgery, depending on what’s causing them. ",{"data":349,"content":350,"nodeType":106},{},[351,355,363],{"data":352,"marks":353,"value":354,"nodeType":101},{},[],"",{"data":356,"content":358,"nodeType":246},{"uri":357},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fdiabetic-retinopathy",[359],{"data":360,"marks":361,"value":362,"nodeType":101},{"chevron-link":16},[],"Learn more about diabetic retinopathy",{"data":364,"marks":365,"value":354,"nodeType":101},{},[],{"entries":367},{"block":368},[],{"__typename":87,"sys":370,"theme":118,"genericTextComponent":371},{"id":66},{"json":372,"links":410},{"nodeType":93,"data":373,"content":374},{},[375,382,389,396,403],{"nodeType":97,"data":376,"content":377},{},[378],{"nodeType":101,"value":379,"marks":380,"data":381},"How are eye floaters and flashes diagnosed?",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":383,"content":384},{},[385],{"nodeType":101,"value":386,"marks":387,"data":388},"If you're worried about sudden flashes or black dots in your eyesight, an eye test with one of our experts can help.  ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":390,"content":391},{},[392],{"nodeType":101,"value":393,"marks":394,"data":395},"Wondering whether an optometrist can see floaters? The answer is yes. During your eye test, we'll use specialist microscopes and sometimes use eye drops to widen (dilate) your pupil. This will allow us to see the back of your eye and the vitreous humour more clearly.  ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":397,"content":398},{},[399],{"nodeType":101,"value":400,"marks":401,"data":402},"We'll then make note of any clumps in your vitreous humour that might be causing black marks in your vision. This means we can monitor them and register any increases at your next eye test. ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":404,"content":405},{},[406],{"nodeType":101,"value":407,"marks":408,"data":409},"While your pupils are dilated, we can also check your retina for any tears or detachment.  If we spot something that concerns us, your optometrist can advise you about potential treatment plans and next steps. ",[],{},{"entries":411},{"block":412},[],{"__typename":87,"sys":414,"theme":90,"genericTextComponent":415},{"id":71},{"json":416,"links":485},{"nodeType":93,"data":417,"content":418},{},[419,426,433,440,470,479],{"nodeType":97,"data":420,"content":421},{},[422],{"nodeType":101,"value":423,"marks":424,"data":425},"How are eye floaters and flashes treated?",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":427,"content":428},{},[429],{"nodeType":101,"value":430,"marks":431,"data":432},"Floaters are usually nothing to worry about and often settle on their own without treatment. In some cases, laser treatment (called vitreolysis) can be used to break them up and make them less visible, though it’s not suitable for everyone. For more severe cases, surgery (a vitrectomy) might be considered. This involves removing the gel inside the eye and replacing it with a clear solution. ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":434,"content":435},{},[436],{"nodeType":101,"value":437,"marks":438,"data":439},"If there’s damage to the retina, laser therapy or other types of surgery may be needed. If you notice any sudden changes or if your vision is affected, don’t ignore it. Get your eyes checked as soon as you can. Regular eye tests are the best way to keep on top of things. ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":441,"content":442},{},[443,447,454,458,466],{"nodeType":101,"value":444,"marks":445,"data":446},"Floaters and flashes can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue, like a ",[],{},{"nodeType":246,"data":448,"content":449},{"uri":269},[450],{"nodeType":101,"value":451,"marks":452,"data":453},"retinal tear or detachment",[],{},{"nodeType":101,"value":455,"marks":456,"data":457},". If they come on suddenly, especially if you also notice flashing lights, ",[],{},{"nodeType":246,"data":459,"content":461},{"uri":460},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fblurry-vision",[462],{"nodeType":101,"value":463,"marks":464,"data":465},"blurred vision",[],{},{"nodeType":101,"value":467,"marks":468,"data":469},", or a dark shadow in your sight, get urgent medical help. These symptoms need to be checked straight away. ",[],{},{"nodeType":471,"data":472,"content":478},"embedded-entry-block",{"target":473},{"sys":474},{"id":475,"type":476,"linkType":477},"7LVlKnw0P7kN3T1LzG9EEh","Link","Entry",[],{"nodeType":106,"data":480,"content":481},{},[482],{"nodeType":101,"value":354,"marks":483,"data":484},[],{},{"entries":486},{"block":487},[488],{"__typename":476,"sys":489,"linkText":198,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},{"id":475},{"__typename":87,"sys":491,"theme":118,"genericTextComponent":492},{"id":76},{"json":493,"links":583},{"data":494,"content":495,"nodeType":93},{},[496,503,510,577],{"data":497,"content":498,"nodeType":97},{},[499],{"data":500,"marks":501,"value":502,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Can eye floaters and flashes be prevented? ",{"data":504,"content":505,"nodeType":106},{},[506],{"data":507,"marks":508,"value":509,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Black dots in your vision are a normal part of getting older and unfortunately, can’t be completely prevented. But there are a few simple things you can do to help lower the chances of them cropping up or becoming more noticeable: ",{"data":511,"content":512,"nodeType":576},{},[513,523,544,566],{"data":514,"content":515,"nodeType":251},{},[516],{"data":517,"content":518,"nodeType":106},{},[519],{"data":520,"marks":521,"value":522,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Eat well. A balanced diet with plenty of leafy greens, fruit, and omega-3 fatty acids can go a long way in supporting healthy eyes. ",{"data":524,"content":525,"nodeType":251},{},[526],{"data":527,"content":528,"nodeType":106},{},[529,533,540],{"data":530,"marks":531,"value":532,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Stay on top of your ",{"data":534,"content":535,"nodeType":246},{"uri":28},[536],{"data":537,"marks":538,"value":539,"nodeType":101},{},[],"eye tests",{"data":541,"marks":542,"value":543,"nodeType":101},{},[],". Regular check-ups with your optometrist help catch any early changes in your vision and make sure your eyes are in good health. ",{"data":545,"content":546,"nodeType":251},{},[547],{"data":548,"content":549,"nodeType":106},{},[550,554,562],{"data":551,"marks":552,"value":553,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Give your eyes a break from screens. Too much blue light from phones, tablets or computers can lead to ",{"data":555,"content":557,"nodeType":246},{"uri":556},"\u002Feye-health\u002Feye-strain",[558],{"data":559,"marks":560,"value":561,"nodeType":101},{},[],"eye strain",{"data":563,"marks":564,"value":565,"nodeType":101},{},[],", which may make floaters feel more irritating. ",{"data":567,"content":568,"nodeType":251},{},[569],{"data":570,"content":571,"nodeType":106},{},[572],{"data":573,"marks":574,"value":575,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Keep your eyes protected. Whether you’re playing sports or doing DIY, wearing proper eye protection can prevent injury. And when you’re out and about, don’t forget your sunglasses. UV rays can damage your eyes just like they do your skin. ","ordered-list",{"data":578,"content":579,"nodeType":106},{},[580],{"data":581,"marks":582,"value":354,"nodeType":101},{},[],{"entries":584},{"block":585},[],{"__typename":587,"sys":588,"title":590,"theme":591,"expandFirstRow":29,"accordionEntriesCollection":592},"Accordion",{"id":589},"eelLx5hJ4TFuN7qG6Zlly","Eye floaters and flashes FAQs:","Grey",{"items":593},[594,610,625,657,686,708,753],{"__typename":595,"sys":596,"panel":598,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":609},"Faq",{"id":597},"3BJSWpYuijRzrFQoOd9l3U",{"json":599},{"data":600,"content":601,"nodeType":93},{},[602],{"data":603,"content":604,"nodeType":106},{},[605],{"data":606,"marks":607,"value":608,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Dehydration does not cause eye floaters, but it might make them feel more pronounced. The vitreous humour is made of 98% water, so when you're dehydrated, this can shrink slightly. The clumps of protein and tissue that cause black dots in vision could, therefore, feel more noticeable. Although there isn't concrete research to support this, if you experience floaters, it's wise to stay hydrated. ","Can dehydration cause floaters?",{"__typename":595,"sys":611,"panel":613,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":624},{"id":612},"GFaI4e6vCh6ADNcKIOztx",{"json":614},{"data":615,"content":616,"nodeType":93},{},[617],{"data":618,"content":619,"nodeType":106},{},[620],{"data":621,"marks":622,"value":623,"nodeType":101},{},[],"Eye floaters happen naturally as our eyes get older and, unfortunately, don't tend to go away completely once they're there. The good news is they can get smaller and settle around the outsides of your vision. Unless the black blobs in your vision get bigger or you start to see more of them, they should become less noticeable over time. ","How long do eye floaters last?",{"__typename":595,"sys":626,"panel":628,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":656},{"id":627},"4VgkRNxaSDmRwAHAkYsBIz",{"json":629},{"nodeType":93,"data":630,"content":631},{},[632,639],{"nodeType":106,"data":633,"content":634},{},[635],{"nodeType":101,"value":636,"marks":637,"data":638},"There aren't any eye drops that have been proven to get rid of eye floaters once they've formed. Dry eyes can irritate and can affect your vision. Eye drops can help to rehydrate your eyes if you're struggling with this, but they won't get rid of your floaters. ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":640,"content":641},{},[642,645,653],{"nodeType":101,"value":354,"marks":643,"data":644},[],{},{"nodeType":246,"data":646,"content":648},{"uri":647},"\u002Feye-health\u002Fdry-eye-syndrome",[649],{"nodeType":101,"value":650,"marks":651,"data":652},"Learn more about dry eyes",[],{"chevron-link":16},{"nodeType":101,"value":354,"marks":654,"data":655},[],{},"Do eye drops help floaters?",{"__typename":595,"sys":658,"panel":660,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":685},{"id":659},"1nElhkpSlabHqqOPd4rZXt",{"json":661},{"data":662,"content":663,"nodeType":93},{},[664,671,678],{"data":665,"content":666,"nodeType":106},{},[667],{"data":668,"marks":669,"value":670,"nodeType":101},{},[],"If your eye floaters are really getting in the way of your ability to see, or if they've become significantly worse over time, you may be a candidate for a vitrectomy. ",{"data":672,"content":673,"nodeType":106},{},[674],{"data":675,"marks":676,"value":677,"nodeType":101},{},[],"A vitrectomy involves a specialist surgeon removing the vitreous humour and replacing it. While it can be effective at getting rid of black blobs in your vision in the short term, it does leave you at a higher risk of retinal tears, retinal detachment and glaucoma. They are also performed rarely and aren't available on the NHS to remove floaters.",{"data":679,"content":680,"nodeType":106},{},[681],{"data":682,"marks":683,"value":684,"nodeType":101},{},[],"\n","Is there surgery available for eye floaters and flashes?",{"__typename":595,"sys":687,"panel":689,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":707},{"id":688},"6UJlQUWfZ7xBfiZEwSulsa",{"json":690},{"nodeType":93,"data":691,"content":692},{},[693,700],{"nodeType":106,"data":694,"content":695},{},[696],{"nodeType":101,"value":697,"marks":698,"data":699},"Unfortunately, eye floaters appear as our eyes get older, so once they're there, we can't get rid of them. Luckily, they do tend to get smaller over time and settle into the corners of our field of vision, which helps us get used to them. ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":701,"content":702},{},[703],{"nodeType":101,"value":704,"marks":705,"data":706},"If you're wondering how to reduce floaters in your eyes naturally, eating a healthy, balanced diet, staying hydrated and avoiding eye strain can all help to keep floater-related irritation at bay. ",[],{},"Can you get rid of floaters?",{"__typename":595,"sys":709,"panel":711,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":752},{"id":710},"g1egR43qzvqmBdI4PA604",{"json":712},{"nodeType":93,"data":713,"content":714},{},[715,722,729,746],{"nodeType":106,"data":716,"content":717},{},[718],{"nodeType":101,"value":719,"marks":720,"data":721},"Stress doesn't directly cause eye floaters, but it can make them more noticeable. ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":723,"content":724},{},[725],{"nodeType":101,"value":726,"marks":727,"data":728},"Stress can trigger your fight-or-flight response, which causes your pupils to dilate. This can lead to heightened awareness of floaters and increased sensitivity to light, which can make you feel like more floaters are whizzing around than usual. ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":730,"content":731},{},[732,735,742],{"nodeType":101,"value":354,"marks":733,"data":734},[],{},{"nodeType":246,"data":736,"content":737},{"uri":556},[738],{"nodeType":101,"value":739,"marks":740,"data":741},"Eye strain",[],{},{"nodeType":101,"value":743,"marks":744,"data":745},", which can also happen as a result of stress, can cause dry eyes and inflammation. This can also increase sensitivity to floaters. ",[],{},{"nodeType":106,"data":747,"content":748},{},[749],{"nodeType":101,"value":684,"marks":750,"data":751},[],{},"Can stress cause eye floaters? ",{"__typename":595,"sys":754,"panel":756,"link":17,"faqCategory":17,"header":778},{"id":755},"n0F8gJJAgt3raSmZFUVo2",{"json":757},{"nodeType":93,"data":758,"content":759},{},[760],{"nodeType":106,"data":761,"content":762},{},[763,767,774],{"nodeType":101,"value":764,"marks":765,"data":766},"If your eye floaters and flashes are accompanied by worsening eyesight, it's crucial to ",[],{},{"nodeType":246,"data":768,"content":769},{"uri":28},[770],{"nodeType":101,"value":771,"marks":772,"data":773},"book an eye test",[],{},{"nodeType":101,"value":775,"marks":776,"data":777}," as soon as possible. This will allow our specialists to rule out any serious concerns and help you understand what's going on inside your eyes. They will then work with you to address any problems and help you figure out the best treatment plan for your needs.  ",[],{},"Why is my eyesight getting worse?",{"__typename":780,"sys":781,"title":783,"backgroundTheme":784,"authorEntriesCollection":785},"AuthorContainer",{"id":782},"1K9CpO9GoJ51VfEHMg7YPV","Written by our experts for peace of mind","White",{"items":786},[787],{"authorBiography":788,"authorName":799,"authorQualification":800,"authorPhoto":801},{"json":789},{"nodeType":93,"data":790,"content":791},{},[792],{"nodeType":106,"data":793,"content":794},{},[795],{"nodeType":101,"value":796,"marks":797,"data":798},"Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale with Northallerton & Thirsk, a pre-registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.",[],{},"Ross Campbell","BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret",{"url":802},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5mrcuMDlru21b9LMMuIQn7\u002F34dcf1c5e9fe3ed41c4ea4077537d61f\u002FRoss_Campbell_Northallerton.jpg",{"__typename":804,"sys":805,"title":807,"body":808,"backgroundTheme":591,"actionCardEntriesCollection":809},"ActionCardBanner",{"id":806},"3TtwtzIb5hADRY21agM4am","Related conditions","Not sure if this is what you're experiencing? Explore some related conditions:",{"items":810},[811,815,818],{"image":17,"title":812,"body":813,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":814,"linkUrl":357,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Diabetic Retinopathy","If you have diabetes, you’re at risk of developing a complication of diabetes that damages the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye called the retina.","Find out more",{"image":17,"title":816,"body":817,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":814,"linkUrl":269,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Retinal Detachment","Sometimes the retina can detach or lift from its position, becoming separated from its blood supply that provides it with essential nutrients and oxygen.",{"image":17,"title":819,"body":820,"imageAltText":17,"linkText":814,"linkUrl":323,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29},"Ocular Migraines","An eye condition that causes temporary visual disturbances, including brief attacks of vision loss or other visual problems which usually occur in one eye. ",{"__typename":804,"sys":822,"title":824,"body":17,"backgroundTheme":784,"actionCardEntriesCollection":825},{"id":823},"keqiwluN3uCiUw39HKjMx","Find out more about eye care services",{"items":826},[827,834,839],{"title":828,"body":829,"imageAltText":830,"linkText":831,"linkUrl":43,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":832},"All eye conditions","Read more information about all eye conditions.","Women using a slit lamp","View all eye conditions",{"url":833},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F4cwFJgHB9BHy1B690ebBQ0\u002Fc02de50880709bc238812946c93ccfea\u002FDAY_2_SLIT_LAMP_TEST_117-150DPI.jpg",{"title":198,"body":835,"imageAltText":836,"linkText":198,"linkUrl":28,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":837},"Book an appointment at your local Specsavers store.","Man having an OCT scan",{"url":838},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5T3QokGERAThYXwgmSXxFq\u002F2456853b7550d03764f544496176b83e\u002Fmodule_hero__16x9_oct_sight_test_no-derivative.jpg",{"title":840,"body":841,"imageAltText":842,"linkText":814,"linkUrl":843,"openLinkInANewBrowserTab":29,"image":844},"All about eye tests","Everything you need to know about getting your eyes tested.","Women using a phoropter","\u002Feye-test",{"url":845},"https:\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fzcryw81f0g1x\u002F5zSdFZFmwKx4bFKCWIm9A9\u002F142dfde2099cab8de29510ab68f4b17b\u002FDAY_1_SNELLEN_11-72DPI.jpg",{"__typename":847,"sys":848,"title":850,"theme":784,"listType":851,"expandAccordion":29,"accordionEntriesCollection":852},"SingleRowAccordion",{"id":849},"6QRZtMQK9dLfqNNahvCesF","References","Numbered",{"items":853},[854,862,868,875,882,888,894,900,906,913],{"__typename":855,"sys":856,"citationAuthor":858,"citationYear":859,"citationDescription":860,"citationUrl":861,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},"Citation",{"id":857},"5MBctwwo4Jj4hPiE1Ei8O5","NHS",2023,"Floaters and flashes in the eyes. Available at: ","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nhs.uk\u002Fconditions\u002Ffloaters-and-flashes-in-the-eyes\u002F",{"__typename":855,"sys":863,"citationAuthor":865,"citationYear":859,"citationDescription":866,"citationUrl":867,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":864},"7kmjPh7cuBCdBHNh0UosSQ","Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust","Floaters and flashes information leaflet. Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.moorfields.nhs.uk",{"__typename":855,"sys":869,"citationAuthor":871,"citationYear":872,"citationDescription":873,"citationUrl":874,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":870},"4FVgxNKhtopT5xVrXDmbQ6","National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)",2022,"Clinical Knowledge Summary: Eye conditions. Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fcks.nice.org.uk\u002F",{"__typename":855,"sys":876,"citationAuthor":878,"citationYear":879,"citationDescription":880,"citationUrl":881,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":877},"5KMRqfnngQSAgART1Z5lQk","Royal College of Ophthalmologists",2021,"Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.rcophth.ac.uk\u002Fresources-pvd",{"__typename":855,"sys":883,"citationAuthor":885,"citationYear":859,"citationDescription":886,"citationUrl":887,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":884},"XQVFdgv2ZdRqrqgX1QroR","GP Notebook","Posterior vitreous detachment. Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fgpnotebook.com",{"__typename":855,"sys":889,"citationAuthor":891,"citationYear":872,"citationDescription":892,"citationUrl":893,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":890},"6QCJKQ41hqtmwWCFbRCTXf","American Academy of Ophthalmology","Eye floaters and flashes. Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.aao.org\u002Feye-health\u002Fdiseases\u002Fwhat-are-floaters-flashes",{"__typename":855,"sys":895,"citationAuthor":897,"citationYear":859,"citationDescription":898,"citationUrl":899,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":896},"7lJklvZPhtfn4QpLL0Vrc0","Mayo Clinic","Eye floaters. Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mayoclinic.org\u002Fdiseases-conditions\u002Feye-floaters\u002Fsymptoms-causes\u002Fsyc-20372346",{"__typename":855,"sys":901,"citationAuthor":903,"citationYear":872,"citationDescription":904,"citationUrl":905,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":902},"5CckKfd52hFI8fvaX8lnI6","National Eye Institute","Floaters. Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nei.nih.gov\u002Flearn-about-eye-health\u002Feye-conditions-and-diseases\u002Ffloaters",{"__typename":855,"sys":907,"citationAuthor":909,"citationYear":910,"citationDescription":911,"citationUrl":912,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":908},"5AOBMTgODG8HnwT0abaYm4","World Health Organization",2020,"Vision impairment and blindness. Available at: ","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.who.int\u002Fnews-room\u002Ffact-sheets\u002Fdetail\u002Fblindness-and-vision-impairment",{"__typename":855,"sys":914,"citationAuthor":916,"citationYear":917,"citationDescription":918,"citationUrl":919,"citationAccessedUpdatedDate":17},{"id":915},"7Dz57OQBOHqxA0aAtvHNBP","BMJ Best Practice",2024,"Vitreous detachment and floaters. Available at:","https:\u002F\u002Fbestpractice.bmj.com",[17,17],1787127877122]