Have you ever noticed tiny spots drifting across your field of vision or bright rings around streetlights at night? While some visual changes are a normal part of aging, others can be signs of a serious medical emergency.
At Lowcountry Eye Specialists in Ladson, South Carolina, Jay Thompson, MD, and our team of four dedicated doctors help patients protect their vision every day. Knowing when to schedule a comprehensive eye exam is crucial for keeping your eyes healthy.
You see floaters and flashes when the gel-like substance inside your eye, called the vitreous, begins to shrink and pull away from your retina, which can be a normal part of aging. While many people experience occasional spots, a sudden increase in floaters can indicate a serious issue like a retinal tear.
According to a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine (2026), the absolute risk of a retinal detachment is 6.1% for patients experiencing floaters alone, and it rises to 8.4% when floaters and flashes occur together.
Furthermore, even if an initial evaluation shows no tears, research in Ophthalmology Retina (2022) shows that 7.39% of patients with an acute vitreous detachment develop retinal tears later on. This is why prompt medical evaluation and follow-up care are so important.
You see halos around lights when light scatters as it enters your eye, which is often caused by corneal swelling or changes in your eye's lens. While slow-growing cataracts can cause this effect over time, a sudden onset of colorful, rainbow-like halos is a classic warning sign of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
During an acute glaucoma crisis, the drainage channels in your eye become blocked, causing intraocular pressure to spike rapidly. A study from StatPearls / National Library of Medicine (2026) notes that this pressure can reach 60 to 80 mm Hg, forcing fluid into the cornea and creating a "diffraction grating" that makes lights look like they have vibrant rainbow rings.
This is a true medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
You should schedule an eye exam immediately if you experience a sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or painful rainbow halos. While we can address gradual changes in your vision during routine visits, sudden visual disturbances require urgent medical attention.
At our Ladson, South Carolina office, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to evaluate these symptoms and protect your sight. Whether you need a routine check-up or urgent diagnostic testing, our team is ready to help.
If you're noticing new floaters, flashes, or halos, don't wait to seek professional care. Our experienced team at Lowcountry Eye Specialists is here to provide the compassionate, state-of-the-art care you deserve. To protect your vision, schedule a visit with us today.
