I've had floaters all my life - now flashes of light?

I've had dozens of floaters in my vision for as long as I remember.
Recently, I've been seeing sudden flashes of light, and small, fast moving bright dots all across my vision.
Are these just symptoms that come with having floaters? Or should I see an optometrist?

Hmm...

Seeing sudden flashes of light may indicate a retinal detachment, or it could be an ocular migraine. Either way, I would call your eye doctor and see if you should be seen. They may wind up referring you out to an ophthalmologist...but I would call your doctor first thing in the morning...just in case.

I'll star your question and see if "Princeidoc" sees it and offers some insight...he's an Optometrist and he knows his stuff!

it's normal,but go see the eye doctor

my mother had floaters once. she started screaming at the "flashing lights" we all thought seh was crazy. apparently it was just the floaters. it is probably nothing new, but calling your optometrist is a good idea.he may want to see you. good luck. hopefully the light show stops soon.

headaches!! if you do they are migraines and they flashing lights and colored dots happen then

Seeing an occassional flasher is normal but seeing them continually could be a sign of retinal damage, brain damage, or a silent migrane.

Go to an opthalmalogist for a professional diagnosis.

sudden onset of this could be a sign of a serious health problem.. you really need to talk to your doctor/optometrist

You need to see your optometrist. Flashes are a symptom of PVD (post vitreous detachment) - where the vitreous (the mass of jelly/filaments that fill the back portion of the eye) separate from the side.

Usually, this causes no damage, but in some cases, this can cause the retina to tear and cause loss of sight.

Your optometrist will probably want to dilate your pupils. Call in the morning and ask them to work you in - take a driver if you can.

When the vitreous gel pulls or tugs (causes traction) on the retina, it creates nerve impulses that appear as flashes of light. The flashes are easier to see when you are looking at a dark area. They may come and go.
Flashes of light do not always mean that you have a retinal problem. They often are harmless. They may also be a symptom of a migraine headache. If you see flashing lights for the first time, or if they are different from any you have seen before, call your doctor immediately.

you need to see an ophthalmologist asap! this could be a sign of retinal detachment. you need a dilated eye exam to see what is going on....good luck