Eye Floaters & Flashes Treatment in Singapore
Distinguishing Floaters & Flashes Vision from Normal Eyesight
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are tiny specks, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision. They tend to be most noticeable when you’re looking at something bright, like a clear sky or a white wall.
Eye floaters form as part of the natural ageing process. Inside your eye is a clear, gel-like substance called the vitreous. As you age, the vitreous gradually becomes more liquid. Small undissolved fibres can clump together, casting shadows on the retina — these are what you see as floaters.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
While the most common cause of eye floaters is the natural ageing of the eye, other factors may also contribute:
Severe myopia, or short-sightedness.
Previous eye injuries. For example, a knock to the eye during sports or an accident can trigger new floaters.
Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis), which is caused by infections or autoimmune conditions that affect the eye.
Complications after eye surgery.
What Are Eye Flashes and What Causes Them?
Eye flashes look like streaks of light, lightning strikes, or sudden bursts in your vision. They happen when the vitreous gel inside your eye tugs on the retina, stimulating it and creating the sensation of flashing light.
Like eye floaters, flashes often appear as part of the natural ageing process. But there are other situations where you may notice them:
- Vitreous shrinkage with age. As the gel inside your eye changes, it may pull on the retina and cause flashes.
- Eye or head trauma. For example, a knock during sports like basketball or badminton can trigger flashing lights.
- Certain eye conditions, such as retinal tears or detachment.
- Inflammatory conditions or infections, which may irritate the retina.
- After surgery or procedures as your eye heals.
When to See an Eye Specialist for Floaters and Flashes?
Most of the time, eye floaters and flashes are harmless. However, there are certain situations where they can signal a more serious eye problem.
You should seek treatment for eye floaters immediately if you experience:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters.
- Flashes of light that don’t go away.
- A dark shadow, veil, or “curtain” moving across your vision.
- Loss of side (peripheral) vision.
These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, both of which require urgent medical attention. Left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are serious, it’s best to err on the side of caution and consult an eye doctor promptly.
How Are Eye Floaters and Flashes Diagnosed?
Before proceeding with a treatment for eye floaters, your doctor in Singapore may recommend the following steps:
Dilated Retinal Examination
You’ll receive special eye drops to dilate your pupils, allowing your doctor to examine your retina in detail.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
This non-invasive scan captures high-resolution images of your retina, helping to detect even small tears or changes.
Ultrasound Imaging
If cloudiness or internal bleeding limits visibility, your doctor may use ultrasound to get a clearer view of your retina and identify any underlying issues.
Eye Floaters & Flashes Treatment in Singapore
At Asia Pacific Eye Centre, we tailor each treatment plan to your needs and support you with follow-up care to safeguard your long-term vision. That’s why we start with a thorough consultation and eye screening (as listed above) to determine whether treatment is even recommended, or if monitoring your eye floaters is sufficient.
If treatment is deemed necessary, we’ll guide you on what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. The eye floaters treatment may include:
- Laser vitreolysis, where a laser is used to break up or dissolve larger floaters so they are less visible in your vision.
- Vitrectomy, which is a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous gel and replaces it with a clear solution. This option is usually reserved for severe cases where floaters significantly affect your vision.
Our Eye Floaters & Flashes Specialists
Dr. Lee Hung Ming
Senior Consultant & Eye Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Ophth)
FRCS (Edinburgh), FAMS (Ophth)
A highly-respected eye specialist in Singapore with 20+ years of experience, Dr. Lee has performed 20,000+ cataract and LASIK procedures. He received the ACE Award for surgical training excellence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr. Tan Yar Li
Senior Consultant & Eye Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Ophth)
MRCSEd (Ophth), FAMS (Ophth)
Dr. Tan was one of the first few eye surgeons in Singapore to perform Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery. She’s a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist with extensive experience in glaucoma, cataract, and refractive surgery.
Dr. Wong Chee Wai
Senior Consultant & Eye Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (OPHTH), FAMS (Ophth)
MCI (Singapore), PHD (UTRECHT)
Dr. Wong is a fellowship-trained retinal specialist in Singapore who founded the Surgical Retina Service at Sengkang Hospital. He’s a respected clinician and researcher with over 60 publications and a PhD in ocular drug delivery.
Dr. Gillian Teh
Senior Consultant & Eye Surgeon
Sub-specialties: Oculoplastic, Cataract and Comprehensive Ophthalmology
MBBS (London), MMed (Ophth), FAMS
Dr. Teh is a fellowship-trained oculoplastic specialist in Singapore with expertise in eyelid, cataract, and comprehensive eye surgery. A former consultant at SNEC and clinical tutor at NUS, she combines surgical precision with a strong commitment to patient care and medical education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my high "lao hua" (presbyopia) or myopia (short-sightedness) cause more floaters?
Yes, severe myopia increases your risk of seeing eye floaters because it makes your retina thinner and more vulnerable to changes. Presbyopia itself doesn’t cause floaters, but it may make you more aware of them.
Are the flashing lights I see at the side of my eye something to worry about?
Occasional flashes can be harmless. But if you notice sudden or frequent flashes, especially with new eye floaters, you should see an eye specialist promptly as it may be signalling retinal tears or detachment.
Is it normal to get more eye floaters as I get older?
Yes, floaters are common with age as the vitreous gel inside your eye naturally changes. However, a sudden increase in eye floaters is not normal and should be checked by a professional.
Is it true that spending too much time on my phone and computer can cause eye floaters?
No, screen time does not cause eye floaters. However, digital eye strain can make you notice them more easily.
Can injuries from sports like badminton or basketball lead to eye flashes?
Yes, trauma to your eye or head can cause flashes and increase your risk of retinal damage. If you experience flashes after an injury, get it checked by a specialist as soon as possible.
When should I worry about my eye floaters and go to a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you notice a sudden increase in eye floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow across your vision. These may be signs of retinal detachment.
What are the common treatments for serious floaters available in Singapore?
Treatments for eye floaters commonly include laser vitreolysis, which breaks up large floaters, and vitrectomy, which surgically removes the vitreous gel. However, your doctor should explain the risks, recovery timeline, and potential effects before the procedure – or if treatment is even necessary.
Is it safe to just ignore my floaters if the doctor says they are not dangerous?
Yes, if your specialist confirms your eye floaters are harmless, you can safely ignore them. Over time, many floaters fade or become less noticeable.
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