Floaters are spots and lines that “float” across your field of vision. They are caused by stray cells or strands of tissue inside the eyeball. Flashes are sparkles or lightning streaks. These occur in your side vision. This is called the peripheral vision.

Floaters and flashes usually aren’t serious. In many cases, they’re a normal part of getting older. Some people get used to them. Others find them annoying. If floaters bother you, you can try to look up and then down. This may make them go away.

For now, your doctor doesn’t think your symptoms are a sign of a more serious problem. But an eye exam is the only way to know for sure.