What Are Floaters & Flashes?
Floaters are small clumps of protein or cells within the vitreous gel—the clear, jelly-like substance inside your eye. They cast shadows on your retina, causing the spots or strings you see. Flashes, on the other hand, are brief bursts of light often caused by traction on the retina as the vitreous gel shifts.
Common Causes of Floaters & Flashes
- Age-related changes in the vitreous (posterior vitreous detachment or PVD)
- Eye trauma or injury
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
- Retinal tears or detachment (a medical emergency)
Symptoms of Concern
While occasional floaters and flashes are common, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious issue, such as a retinal tear or detachment:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Persistent flashes of light
- A shadow or curtain spreading across your vision
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate care to protect your vision.
How We Diagnose Floaters & Flashes
At River City Retina Consultants, we utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools to evaluate floaters and flashes:/l
- Comprehensive Eye Exam: A dilated exam allows us to thoroughly examine the retina and vitreous.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-resolution imaging to assess the retina’s structure.
- Ultrasound Imaging: Provides detailed visualization in cases where the retina cannot be clearly seen.
- Optos Photography: Wide angle retinal imaging.
Treatment Options for Floaters & Flashes
Most floaters and flashes are benign and do not require treatment. However, if they are caused by an underlying condition, or impair visual function or daily activities such as reading or driving, we offer targeted solutions:
For Floaters:
- Observation: In many cases, floaters may become less noticeable over time.
- Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of the vitreous gel in severe cases.
For Flashes:
- Monitoring: Flashes caused by vitreous traction often resolve on their own.
- Retinal Tear or Detachment Repair: If flashes are linked to a retinal tear or detachment, we provide immediate treatment, such as laser therapy, cryotherapy, or surgery.
