Seeing Spots? Better Pay Attention!!! Here’s What Your Eyes Are Trying to Tell You
Seeing spots, flashes, floaters, sparkles, or “ghost shapes” drifting through your vision can be alarming — and for good reason. While some visual disturbances are harmless, others can be signs that your eyes need immediate attention.
At Progressive Eye Care in South Jordan, we help patients from Herriman, Riverton, West Jordan, Draper, Sandy, and the entire Salt Lake Valley understand what their symptoms mean and know when to call for help.
Here’s a simple guide to what those spots may be telling you — and when you should take action.
Common Reasons You May Be Seeing Spots or Floaters
1. Normal Age-Related Floaters
Many floaters are simply tiny collagen fibers inside the eye that clump together as we age. These often show up as:
• Gray or shadowy squiggles
• Small dots
• Cobweb-like shapes
They drift when your eye moves and are usually harmless.
But even normal floaters deserve an exam, especially if they suddenly increase.
2. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
As we get older, the gel inside the eye (the vitreous) can shrink and pull away from the retina. This often causes:
• Sudden new floaters
• Brief flashes of light
• A circular “ring” floater
PVD is common — but should be evaluated immediately, because it can sometimes lead to a retinal tear.
3. Retinal Tear or Detachment — A TRUE Eye Emergency
If you see:
🚨 A sudden shower of new floaters
🚨 Bright flashes of light
🚨 A dark curtain or shadow over part of your vision
These may indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
This requires same-day evaluation to prevent permanent vision loss.
4. Ocular Migraines (Visual Migraines)
These can cause shimmering zigzags, heat-wave distortions, blind spots, or flashing patterns — often in both eyes and sometimes even when your eyes are closed.
They typically last 10–30 minutes and resolve on their own.
While usually harmless, new or changing episodes should be checked.
5. Tiny Bleeds or Inflammation Inside the Eye
Conditions such as:
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Uveitis (eye inflammation)
…can cause floaters, hazy spots, or sudden vision changes.
These require thorough evaluation and proper treatment to protect long-term sight.
6. Optic Neuritis — Vision Changes Linked to Eye Nerve Inflammation
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve — the cable that sends visual signals from your eye to your brain.
It may cause:
• A dark or gray spot in your central vision
• Blurry or dim vision
• Pain when moving the eye
• Reduced color brightness (colors look washed-out)
• Temporary vision loss in one eye
It can occur after infection, from autoimmune conditions, or without a known cause.
Optic neuritis requires prompt evaluation, because early diagnosis helps protect both vision and neurological health.
So How Do You Know Which One It Is?
You can’t diagnose it on your own — and you shouldn’t try.
At Progressive Eye Care, our doctors use state-of-the-art tools such as:
• Digital retinal imaging
• Dilated retinal exams
• OCT scanning
• Visual field testing
…to quickly determine whether your symptoms are harmless or serious.
Our optometrists —
Dr. Jeff Broadhead, Dr. Michael Hope, Dr. Michael Chism, and Dr. Ana Schroeder —
see urgent vision changes every day and know exactly what to look for.
When to Call Right Away
Call us immediately if you experience:
✔ A sudden increase in floaters
✔ Flashes of light
✔ A curtain, veil, or shadow in your vision
✔ A large dark spot or sudden dimming
✔ Visual disturbances that appear for the first time
These can be signs of a retinal tear, detachment, or optic nerve inflammation.
When Symptoms Can Wait a Day or Two
You’re likely safe to schedule soon (but not urgently) if you have:
✔ A few long-standing floaters you’ve had for months or years
✔ Mild sensitivity or occasional visual migraines
✔ Small, stable floaters that don’t affect daily life
Even non-urgent symptoms deserve monitoring.
Don’t Ignore Spots, Flashes, or Floaters — Your Vision Is Too Important
At Progressive Eye Care, we provide same-day and next-day urgent visits for sudden vision symptoms.
And if something happens after hours, our voicemail will guide you on how to reach our on-call provider when appropriate.
📞 Call us at (385) 503-7680 at the first sign of sudden floaters, flashes, or vision changes.
🌐 Book online anytime at www.progressive-eyecare.net — scheduling is available 24/7.
Your eyes are talking. If you’re seeing spots, let our team help you understand what they’re trying to say — and protect your vision before it’s too late.
