A sudden flicker at the edges of sight. Specks drifting across your vision that never quite blink away.

“Floaters” and “flashes” are common — and often harmless. In fact, a study in the International Journal of Ophthalmology (U.S. National Library of Medicine) found that about 76% of people experience floaters at some point.

But sometimes, and especially when they turn up suddenly, they’re the first sign of something more. At Oxford Urgent Care, we know sudden vision changes can point to urgent eye problems, and we give every case the attention it deserves.

A quick visit can mean the difference between a simple reassurance and catching a serious condition before it causes lasting harm. Here’s what to know.

Just What Are Floaters and Flashes?

Floaters look like tiny spots or squiggly little lines that drift when you shift your eyes. They’re easier to see against bright backgrounds like a big white wall.

Flashes appear as quick bursts of light, almost like bursts of lightning. You’re more likely to see them in your side vision.

According to the ophthalmology experts at University of Utah Health, these symptoms can occur naturally as you age, but they can also signal a sudden and serious vision problem, such as retinal detachment.

If the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, the result can be sudden and permanent vision loss, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to repair. That’s why ignoring floaters and flashes can be dangerous.

Common Triggers

Some triggers of eye floaters and flashes are harmless; others require urgent attention, according to University of Utah Health:

Normal aging — the gel in the eye changes texture over time, especially after age 50.
Nearsightedness or past eye surgery — can make vision changes more likely.
Eye injury — trauma to the head or eye can trigger floaters or flashes.
Migraines — some migraines cause “visual auras” that mimic flashes.
Less common causes — inflammation or bleeding inside the eye.

It’s not always possible to tell on your own what the exact cause of eye floaters or flashes is. Seeking an urgent care provider is often the safest move.

When to Seek Care Immediately

Visit urgent care if you notice:

A sudden shower of new floaters.
Persistent flashes.
A dark “curtain” or shadow over part of your vision.
Floaters/flashes after an eye injury.
Vision changes like distorted or missing areas

The Cleveland Clinic warns that these symptoms can sometimes point to retinal tears or detachment, both of which require immediate treatment to protect your eyesight. If you can’t reach your eye doctor right away, urgent care can bridge the gap and get you where you need to be without delay.

How Oxford Urgent Care Can Help

We make it easy to get answers quickly through:

Compassionate listening — we know vision changes are worrying, and we take your concerns seriously.
Focused eye exams — we check your vision and examine your eyes for signs of retinal problems.
Fast referrals — if we suspect a retinal tear or detachment, we’ll arrange immediate care with an ophthalmologist or ER.
On-the-spot relief — if it’s not an emergency, we’ll give you reassurance and advice for your next steps.

Our goal is to replace that moment of fear with a coherent plan, so you leave feeling informed and in control of your eye health.

Don’t Wait with Sudden Vision Changes

Bright sunny Oxford days make it easier to notice even small vision changes. If you suddenly spot new floaters or flashes, don’t just assume they’ll fade out soon. Quick action can make the difference in protecting your sight.

Most floaters and flashes aren’t dangerous, but you can’t be sure without an exam. If they appear suddenly or come with other vision problems, get seen right away at Oxford Urgent Care.

Oxford Urgent Care is open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk in as soon as you notice new or worsening floaters or flashes. We’ll give you answers and a simple care plan for your vision health.