Flashes & Floaters

⚠ Seek prompt evaluation — symptoms associated with this condition may indicate a sight-threatening emergency. Call (949) 534-4000 immediately.

What are flashes and floaters?

Flashes and floaters are common visual symptoms:

Floaters: Small spots, cobwebs, or strands that drift through your vision, often more noticeable against bright backgrounds. They are usually caused by age-related changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye.
Flashes: Brief flickers or streaks of light, often described as lightning or camera flashes. They occur when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina, stimulating light-sensitive cells.

Causes and risk factors

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): The most common cause, especially in people over age 50.
Retinal tears or detachment: Less common but serious causes that require urgent evaluation.
Other causes: Eye injury, inflammation, diabetic retinopathy, or certain medications.

Risk factors include aging, nearsightedness (myopia), previous eye surgery, trauma, and systemic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Symptoms

Floaters: Spots, cobwebs, or strands drifting through vision
Flashes: Brief flickers or streaks of light
Sudden increase in floaters or flashes
Shadow or curtain over part of vision
Blurred or distorted vision

Diagnosis

A comprehensive eye examination is essential, including:

Dilated retinal examination
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
B-scan ultrasound (if the retina cannot be visualized clearly)

Treatment options

Most floaters and flashes are benign and require no treatment. However, if a retinal tear or detachment is detected, prompt treatment is necessary:

Laser therapy: To seal retinal tears.
Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of vitreous gel for severe floaters or retinal detachment.
Observation: Regular monitoring for changes or complications.

When to seek immediate medical attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Sudden increase in floaters or flashes
Shadow or curtain over vision
Sudden loss of vision
Eye pain or discomfort

Our approach

We provide comprehensive evaluation, advanced imaging, and personalized treatment plans for flashes and floaters. Our goal is to ensure early detection and management of serious conditions like retinal tears or detachment, while providing reassurance and support for benign cases.

Patient Resources

If you have additional questions or need support, please contact our office. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are floaters and flashes dangerous?

Most are benign, but sudden changes can indicate retinal tears or detachment, which require urgent evaluation.

Will floaters go away on their own?

Floaters often become less noticeable over time as gravity moves them below the line of sight and the brain adapts, but they may not disappear completely.

Can floaters or flashes be prevented?

Regular eye exams and managing risk factors like diabetes and hypertension can help prevent floaters caused by bleeding in the eye. The most common cause, posterior vitreous detachment, is an aging change and cannot be prevented. Early evaluation is the best course of action.

Is treatment always necessary?

Treatment is only necessary if a retinal tear or detachment is detected or if floaters significantly impair vision.

What should I do if I experience new floaters or flashes?

Schedule an eye examination promptly to rule out serious conditions.