Flashes and floaters are common visual phenomena that can be alarming but often are harmless. Flashes appear as brief bursts of light, while floaters are tiny specks or strands that drift through your field of vision. Both occur due to changes in the vitreous gel inside your eye and are typically a part of the natural aging process. However, they can sometimes signal more serious conditions such as retinal detachment or tears.

At our clinic, we provide comprehensive evaluations to determine the cause of flashes and floaters, offering advanced diagnostic tools and expert care to ensure your eye health is maintained. If you're experiencing these symptoms, trust our dedicated team to provide the attentive, personalized care you need for peace of mind and optimal vision.

The vitreous gel inside your eye can start to clump together, shrink, or thicken, causing floaters to appear across your line of vision. These floaters occur inside your eye, rather than on the outside, so you can’t wipe them away. Typically, treatment is not required for floaters. However, if the gel starts to rub against the retina, causing flashes, it can lead to a retinal tear, which necessitates monitoring by an eye care professional.

• Vitreous Gel Changes: The vitreous gel can clump together, shrink, or thicken, causing floaters to appear across your line of vision.
• Aging: Natural aging processes can lead to changes in the vitreous gel, increasing the likelihood of floaters and flashes.
• Eye Conditions: Inflammation, injury, or bleeding within the eye can result in the appearance of floaters and flashes.
• Retina Interaction: If the vitreous gel rubs against the retina (causing flashes), it can lead to a retinal tear, a serious condition requiring close monitoring.
• Previous Eye Surgeries: Surgeries such as cataract removal can increase the risk of developing floaters and flashes.
• High Myopia: Severe nearsightedness increases the risk of changes in the vitreous gel and retina.

Diagnosing flashes and floaters involves a series of comprehensive eye exams and specialized tests to accurately assess the condition and determine if further treatment is necessary. Here are the key methods used:

• Dilated Eye Exam: Eye drops are used to dilate (widen) the pupils, allowing the eye care professional to thoroughly examine the retina and vitreous for any abnormalities, such as retinal tears or detachments.
• Ophthalmoscopy: A special magnifying lens and a light source are used to get a detailed view of the retina, helping to identify any tears, detachments, or other issues that might be causing flashes or floaters.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina and vitreous, providing detailed views that can reveal any changes or abnormalities.
• Ultrasound Imaging: If the retina cannot be seen clearly due to bleeding or other obstructions, an ultrasound probe can be used to create detailed images of the retina and the structures at the back of the eye.
• Visual Acuity Test: This standard eye chart test measures how well you can see at various distances, helping to assess any loss of sharpness or clarity in your vision.
• Amsler Grid Test: You look at a grid of straight lines to detect any areas that appear wavy, blurred, or missing, indicating potential damage to the retina.

Early detection through these diagnostic tests is crucial for effective management and preventing serious complications. If you experience sudden flashes of light, a significant increase in floaters, or a shadow over your vision, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Our clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and expertise to provide comprehensive care for flashes and floaters.