Symptoms & Emergencies

Eye floaters, often described as «mouches volantes» or small cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision, are very common and generally harmless. However, they become more concerning when they appear suddenly, in large numbers, or are accompanied by other symptoms. Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmic surgeon in Paris 16, explains what eye floaters are, their causes, and when you should seek emergency consultation.

Distorted vision indicates macular involvement and must be assessed rapidly by a retina specialist.

Sudden vision loss is a major ophthalmic emergency — every minute without treatment may mean permanent visual damage.

Sudden flashes of light are often a sign of vitreoretinal traction — an urgent fundus examination is essential.

A dark curtain or shadow in your visual field is an absolute ophthalmic emergency — do not wait.