Flashes and floaters

Flashes and floaters are often due to the vitreous jelly in the eye physically separating from the retina at the back of the eye. This is known as a Posterior Vitreous Detachment, or PVD. Occasionally a PVD can cause small breaks or tears in the retina. If this is the case, they need to be urgently assessed and treated by one of our team of eye surgeons. If not treated, fluid can enter through the tear and underneath the retina, causing a retinal detachment.


A retinal detachment is a serious surgical emergency, and can cause loss of vision. If you have had recent onset of floaters, flashes or a curtain obstructing your vision, or a recent change in your symptoms, please contact one of our Sydney offices, Bondi Junction (02) 9387 5300 or Miranda (02) 9531 5300 to make an appointment with one of our ophthalmic surgeons as a matter of urgency.