While floaters never go away, light flashes will diminish as the vitreous pulling subsides. This usually occurs over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. These light flashes are like small, brief lightning bolts, and are usually seen in the side vision. These flashes are so weak, that are seen only in very dim light. Occasionally, migraines, with or without headaches, are associated with flashing lights.
Ocular migraines produce stronger, longer lasting flashes of light.
They are seen in daylight, and are usually organized into geometric patterns that change shape, and can be different colors. These blood vessels bring nutrition to the retina. When the vitreous pulls on the retina, it may rupture or break a blood vessel. This will result in bleeding into the center of the eye, and is called a vitreous hemorrhage. It usually has the appearance of reddish or black cigarette smoke, and it may seriously affect the vision.