The NHS has issued a message on its website for anyone worried about their eyesight. And with many people searching Google for eye problems following the solar eclipse, its important to know when to seek medical help. And one common sight issue is people seeing dots, lines and flashes.

The NHS explains that "dots and lines (floaters) or flashes of light in your vision are common" and thankfully are usually not serious. There are many causes of flashes and floaters - and it's often something you get as you age.

The health service explains: "Lots of people, particularly older people, get floaters and flashes. They're usually caused by a harmless process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), where the gel inside your eyes changes.

"Sometimes they can be caused by retinal detachment. This is serious and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated. Floaters and flashes can also happen for no obvious reason."

What are the symptoms of floaters and flashes?

opticians [opticians]
Get in touch with your GP or an optician if you have any concerns

Floaters in your vision can look like:

  • small dark dots
  • squiggly lines
  • rings
  • cobwebs

Flashes look like sudden flashes of light. They're usually harmless and not a sign of anything serious, especially if:

  • you've had them for a long time
  • they're not getting worse
  • your vision is not affected

Flashes may eventually stop. Floaters often become less noticeable as you get used to them.

Ask for an urgent optician appointment or get help from NHS 111

You may need to contact 111 or your opticians if:

  • you have floaters or flashes in your vision for the first time
  • you suddenly get floaters or flashes in your vision
  • the number of floaters or flashes suddenly increases
  • you have a dark "curtain" or shadow moving across your vision
  • you also have blurred vision
  • you also have eye pain
  • floaters start after eye surgery or an eye injury

The NHS explains: These could be signs of a serious problem with the back of your eye, which could permanently affect your vision if it's not treated quickly."

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

What will happen if I contact my optician?

If youre experiencing floaters or flashes in your vision, an optician will examine your eyes to decide whether you need to be referred to an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for further tests or treatment. In most cases, treatment is only needed if theres an underlying issue that could affect your sight.