Seeing Colored Spots Before Your Eyes: A Normal Occurrence or a Sign of Something More?

Have you ever looked up at a clear blue sky and noticed tiny dots of moving light? These little specks of color can be quite fascinating, but have you ever wondered what they are and why they appear before your eyes? In this article, we'll explore the phenomenon known as the blue field entoptic phenomenon (BFEP) and its connection to colored spots.

The BFEP is a common occurrence that happens when white blood cells flow through the capillaries in front of your retina. As these cells move, they can create tiny dots or sparks of light that appear before your eyes. This phenomenon is often described as seeing little worms or squiggly lines moving across your field of vision.

But what about colored spots? Seeing colored spots before your eyes can be a sign of something more serious than just the BFEP. Floaters, which are clumps in the vitreous gel-like fluid in your eye, can appear as small, dark spots that move around your line of sight. Flashes, on the other hand, can look like lightning streaks or stars and may come and go for several weeks or months.

If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, it could be a sign of a retinal detachment, which is when the fibers of the vitreous gel-like fluid pull away from the retina. This condition is more common after age 80 and can cause vision loss if left untreated.

So, how can you distinguish between normal colored spots and something more serious? If the spots are small, dark, and move slowly across your line of sight, it could be a sign of floaters or flashes. However, if the spots are tiny, bright, and move rapidly in front of your eyes, it's likely just the BFEP.

In conclusion, seeing colored spots before your eyes can be both fascinating and unsettling. While the blue field entoptic phenomenon is a normal occurrence, it's essential to distinguish between this phenomenon and potential eye problems. If you notice any changes in your vision or an increase in floaters or flashes, be sure to consult with an eye care professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

Reference: Pepose Vision Institute. (2016). What Are the Moving Dots I See When I Look at a Clear Blue Sky? Retrieved from