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The symptoms of floaters and flashing lights are some of the most common met in optometric practice. Flashes & Floaters looks at the best way to differentiate those that are caused by innocuous or less worrying conditions, such as ageing and migraine, and those that may be a result of vitreous and retinal changes that, in a few cases, may be indications of more serious and possibly sight-threatening disease.

Using live footage and animation, the processes of vitreous degeneration, vitreous detachment and retinal detachment are explained. The programme also provides optometrists with guidance on the best way to assess the patient, through careful questioning and a sensible sequence of clinical techniques. Management is discussed against the background of various risk factors and clinical pre-disposing signs to help optometrists decide the nature of the cause and the appropriate management, and to make the right decisions on referral.

First published: October 2013
Last reviewed: September 2024

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    Clinical Practice

    s.5 Keep your knowledge and skills up to date

    • Understand the risk factors for retinal detachment, PVD and related conditions including migraine.

    s.6 Recognise and work within your limits of competence

    • Understand the appropriate referral of a patient suspected of a recent retinal tear or detachment, of a patient with existing or long term peripheral retinal changes and those of a related presentation but not worthy of immediate referral.

    s.7 Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals

    • Understand the systematic evaluation and assessment of a patient presenting with symptoms of flashing lights and floaters.
    • Understand how to assess Schafer's sign.
    • Understand how best to view the peripheral retina and understand the relative merits of slit lamp BIO and head set BIO with or without indentation.
    • Able to undertake a history and symptoms relevant to a patient presenting with flashing lights and floaters to assess risk, potential of any underlying condition and urgency of any management plan.

    Leadership & Accountability

    s.8 Maintain adequate patient records

    • Understand what to record when assessing the retina, when dilating and when referring a suspect detachment.

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      • References

      • Salmon J (2019) Kanski's Clinical Ophthalmology. 9th Edition, Elsevier.

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      • Video updates (2024)

      • Docet programmes are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure material remains appropriate and links and references are kept up to date. Please note:

        • Expiry dates of any drugs shown were considered appropriate when the programme was made.


      • References

      • Elliott D (2020) Clinical procedures in primary eye care. 5th edition, Elsevier.

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      • References

      • Elliott D (2020) Clinical procedures in primary eye care. 5th edition, Elsevier.

        Doshi S, Harvey W (2003) Investigative techniques and ocular examination. Optician Publication.

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