Sudden onset of flashes and floaters is one of the most common urgent eye care concerns. These complaints typically occur in the setting of an acute posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). As we age, the vitreous gel undergoes physiologic changes that ultimately result in posterior separation of the vitreous from the optic disc and retina. Approximately 5–15% of patients with acute PVD develop a retinal break which, if untreated, may lead to retinal detachment. If acute PVD is accompanied by vitreous hemorrhage, the risk of retinal break increases significantly to approximately 70%. Patients with PVD symptoms must be seen urgently to identify and treat acute, symptomatic retinal breaks. While the use of ultra-wide-field imaging may enhance our ability to detect peripheral retinal pathology, it is not a substitute for a detailed peripheral retinal examination by an eye doctor.