General Eye Care

What are Flashes and Floaters?

Floaters are a common condition that involves small specks or clouds that seem to float across your field of vision and are more noticeable when you are you are looking at a plain background. They often appear as small dots, strands or spider webs floating in your vision, but are actually tiny clumps of gel or vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye. Floaters come and go with the movement of your eye and over time, floaters often fade and become less noticeable.

What Causes Floaters?

The most common cause of floaters is age. Over time, the gel-like vitreous can begin to detach from the retina, forming clumps or strands inside the eye. Patients at TriCounty Eye Institute, who have high degrees of myopia or nearsightedness, experience migraines, have had cataract surgery, yag laser surgery, eye disease or injury, are often more susceptible to floaters.

Most floaters are harmless and a small number of floaters does not mean you have a vision problem. On rare occasions, floaters are treated with a procedure called a Vitrectomy. Dr. Mark Schneider does recommend that if you have a sudden onset of floaters, or see flashes of light, that you call our office immediately as this may be a sign of a more serious problem.

What If I See Flashes of Light?

Flashes or streaks of light often appear when the vitreous, or gel like substance, begins to pull away from the retina. Some people experience flashes that look like jagged lines and last for about 20 minutes. This symptom is typically associated with a migraine headache. A sudden onset of flashes of light can possibly mean a retinal tear, or retinal detachment is occurring and you should call our office immediately.

Treatment for Floaters and Flashes

Do not hesitate to call our Tri-County office if you are concerned about floaters or flashes of light in your vision. Dr. Schneider will perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine if further treatment is needed. Recommendations may include laser treatment or surgical repair if retinal detachment is found during your exam.