Guildford Eye Clinic · Urgent eye care · Surrey, BC
A few floaters are common, but new flashes of light or a sudden shower of floaters can be a warning sign of a retinal tear or detachment, which is urgent. Call us first at (604) 229-9627 for a prompt retinal evaluation, inside Specsavers Guildford Town Centre.
What they are
Floaters are small shapes that drift across your vision, caused by changes in the gel inside the eye. Flashes are brief sparkles or streaks of light. Many floaters are a normal part of aging as that gel separates from the retina.
The reason we take new symptoms seriously is that the same process can sometimes tug a tear in the retina, and a tear can lead to a retinal detachment if it is not caught in time.
When it is urgent
Contact us immediately if you notice a sudden burst of new floaters, repeated flashes of light, or a dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision. These can signal a retinal tear or detachment and need to be checked the same day.
This page is part of our emergency eye care in Surrey. Do not wait to see if it settles on its own.
How we evaluate
We examine the back of the eye closely, usually with dilating drops, and use OCT imaging to look for tears, holes, or detachment. If we find a tear, early treatment can often prevent it from becoming a detachment.
A medically necessary visit like new flashes and floaters is covered by MSP for all ages, and we bill MSP directly where it applies.
Good to know
A few stable floaters are usually harmless and a normal part of aging. The concern is a sudden increase in floaters or new flashes of light, which can signal a retinal tear and should be checked right away.
Flashes happen when the gel inside the eye tugs on the retina, often as it naturally separates with age. Because that tugging can sometimes cause a retinal tear, new flashes should be evaluated promptly.
A sudden shower of new floaters, repeated flashes, or a dark curtain across your vision is urgent and can mean a retinal tear or detachment. Call us first at (604) 229-9627 to be seen the same day.
Yes. A medically necessary eye visit such as new flashes and floaters is covered by MSP for all ages. We bill MSP directly where it applies.
Related services
Same-day urgent care when a doctor is available. Learn more.
Safe removal of something stuck in the eye. Learn more.
New flashes or floaters? Do not wait
Prompt, careful evaluation with OCT. Covered by MSP as a medically necessary visit. Call (604) 229-9627, or book online.
Book online