Having eye inflammation or inflammatory diseases.Being diabetic (or having a family history of diabetes).Having complications from cataract surgery.Other Risk Factors for Seeing SpotsĬertain factors can increase your risk of seeing spots. Unfortunately, this can lead to permanent vision loss. This is called a posterior vitreous detachment, and it can cause the retina to tear.įluid from inside your eye can seep into the tear and separate your retina from the tissues, causing retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can occur when your vitreous shrinks and tugs on the retina, pulling away from it. You should seek immediate attention if you have had eye trauma. Other symptoms will likely accompany these flashes of light. If you injure your eyes and damage your retina, you may begin to see flashes of light occur. Here are a few possible causes of seeing spots, including:Īn eye specialist can help you identify the root cause of your condition. You begin seeing spots after an eye or head injury.You experience spots, floaters, or flashes with other vision problems.You notice a sudden increase in or appearance of floaters or flashes.You should call your doctor right away if: They may happen from time to time in both eyes or in the same eye. Most floaters and occasional flashes are not cause for concern. 5 That’s why floaters move as your eyes move and appear to float away when you look directly at them. Rather, you are seeing the shadow that the floater casts onto the retina. When you see spots, you are not seeing the floater itself. They may be floating in front of you, or you may see them in your peripheral vision. You may notice a large floater or several small ones. The vitreous is a clear gel-like substance that fills the back two-thirds of your eyeball. What are Eye Floaters?Ī floater is a small cluster of cells or a fleck of protein that becomes condensed in your vitreous humor. 7 If left untreated, retina problems can lead to severe vision loss. Your eye doctor will provide medical advice on whether or not your case is serious.įor example, you need treatment if you have a detached retina or a retinal tear that is getting worse. You may require treatment if you are experiencing symptoms, especially if they impact your vision. Seeing spots is not always a cause for concern. When is Seeing Spots a Sign of Something Serious? Sudden black spots in your vision or white spots that appear as light flashes may not be floaters. Sometimes, seeing spots can be a warning sign of a serious underlying condition that requires medical attention. Spots in your field of vision may be floaters, a common and normal part of aging. 5 Most of the time, seeing spots is not a cause for concern. Seeing spots refers to specks, cobweb-like images, and threads that drift across your line of vision.