Ophthalmology

Floaters and Flashers

Understanding spots, lines, or flashes in your vision and when they signal a problem.

What are Floaters and Flashers?

Are you seeing small specks or bursts of light in your vision? Learn what floaters and flashers mean and when to seek help.

Floaters are small, shadowy shapes that drift across your vision, while flashers are bursts or streaks of light. These visual effects are usually harmless and related to changes in the vitreous gel of the eye but can also be signs of retinal problems that need urgent care.

Common Symptoms

Small dots, cobwebs, or thread-like shapes in vision
Light flashes, especially in peripheral vision
Increase in floaters over time
Shadows or a curtain effect in vision
Sudden onset of multiple floaters or flashers

When to see an Ophthalmologist

Sudden appearance or increase in floaters
Flashing lights that don’t go away
Loss of side vision
Vision becomes obscured by a shadow
You’ve experienced eye trauma

Early detection is important for managing the condition and preventing further complications.

Schedule a consultation today.

Causes and Risk Factors

Aging and vitreous shrinkage
Retinal tears or detachment
Inflammation inside the eye
Eye surgery or trauma
Diabetic retinopathy

Diagnosis and Tests

Dilated eye exam
Retinal examination
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Ultrasound if retina isn’t clearly visible
Patient history and symptom review

Treatment Options

Monitoring if symptoms are stable and harmless
Vitrectomy for severe or disruptive floaters
Laser therapy (in select cases)
Surgery or treatment if retinal tear is detected
Regular follow-up to prevent complications

Ophthalmology

Doral Health & Wellness Eye Care Department

Doral Health & Wellness Ophthalmology provides comprehensive eye care services. Our experienced ophthalmologists offer a range of services, including comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, and surgical procedures. We are committed to providing personalized care to help you maintain healthy vision and achieve optimal eye health.