Flashes & Floaters Overview & Treatment Options
in Stockton, Modesto, & Manteca, CA
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
If you would like to learn more about Flashes & Floaters Overview & Treatment Options
in Stockton, Modesto, & Manteca, CA call 1-800-244-9907 to make an appointment at Central Valley Eye Medical Group.
Flashes and vitreous floaters are common visual disturbances. Many people experience them at some point in their lives. While often harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying eye condition.
At Central Valley Eye Medical Group, Inc., the only general ophthalmology practice in the San Joaquin Valley with all fellowship-trained physicians, we provide comprehensive evaluations and advanced treatment options for individuals dealing with flashes and floaters in Stockton, Modesto, and Manteca, CA.
Symptoms of Flashes and Floaters
Flashes are brief streaks or bursts of light, often in peripheral vision, more noticeable in the dark.
Floaters are small dark shapes, spots, or cobweb-like strands drifting in vision, especially against bright backgrounds.
How Flashes and Floaters Develop
When you are born, the vitreous is firmly attached to the retina. The vitreous is rather thick, like firm gelatin. Within the vitreous, there may be clumps of gel or tiny strands of tissue debris left over from the eye’s early development. These clumps or strands are firmly embedded in the thick, young vitreous and cannot move around much.
As you get older, the vitreous gradually becomes thinner or more watery. When you are in your twenties or thirties, the vitreous may be runny enough to allow clumps and strands to move inside the eye. This material floating inside the eye can cast shadows on the retina, which you see as small floating spots.
Sometime after about age 55, you may experience the onset of larger, more bothersome floaters or flashes of light. By this age, the vitreous gel has usually become much more watery. It jiggles around quite a bit when you move your eye, making flashes and floaters much more common.
Eventually, the aging vitreous can pull away from the retina and shrink into a dense mass of gel in the middle of the eyeball. Shadows cast onto the retina by the detached vitreous can cause you to see large floaters.
Who is at Risk of Developing Flashes and Floaters?
People at higher risk for flashes and floaters include:
- Those over 50
- Individuals with nearsightedness (myopia)
- Those who have undergone eye surgery (e.g., cataract removal) or experienced eye trauma
Conditions like diabetes, inflammation (uveitis), and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) also increase the likelihood of developing these symptoms.
Diagnosing Flashes & Floaters
By looking into your eyes with special instruments, your doctor can distinguish between harmless floaters and flashes and more serious retinal problems, such as holes, tears, or retinal detachment.
The usual symptoms of these more serious problems include seeing hundreds of small floating spots, persistent flashing lights, or a veil-like blockage of a portion of the vision. If you experience any of these, you should contact a doctor immediately.
Treatment for Flashes & Floaters
Most floaters require no treatment and fade over time. If severe, laser therapy or vitrectomy may be options.
Flashes often resolve as the vitreous stabilizes. If symptoms worsen, signaling a retinal tear or detachment, immediate care is needed. You may require laser surgery or cryotherapy to prevent vision loss.
FAQs
Can Flashes and Floaters Affect Both Eyes at the Same Time?
Flashes and floaters can affect both eyes at the same time, but this depends on the underlying cause.
Floaters and flashes generally appear in one eye at a time. However, certain conditions can lead to symptoms in both eyes at once, including:
- Aging-related vitreous changes: When vitreous gel shrinks, it can cause floaters and flashes. If both eyes undergo these changes around the same time, symptoms may appear in both.
- Migraine with aura: Visual disturbances, including flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots, can occur in both eyes and often last several minutes.
- Retinal detachment or tears: Retinal detachment usually occurs in one eye first, but it can affect both. It is particularly likely if there is an underlying issue, such as lattice degeneration or a history of trauma.
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): If PVD happens in both eyes around the same period, flashes and floaters can develop in both.
Are Flashes and Floaters More Noticeable in Certain Lighting?
Yes, flashes and floaters are more noticeable in certain lighting. Their visibility depends on background brightness, contrast, and pupil dilation.
Here are some situations in which they may be more pronounced:
- Bright or Sunlit Environments: Floaters are often more prominent against a bright, uniform background (e.g., a clear blue sky or a white wall). The increased contrast makes their tiny shadows on the retina more visible.
- Dim or Dark Rooms: Light flashes are usually more evident in low lighting or darkness.
- Looking at Screens or Light Sources: Some people notice floaters more when looking at bright computer screens or artificial light sources. This is because of the contrast between the light and the transparent floaters.
- Rapid Eye Movement: Moving the eyes quickly can make floaters shift and become more conspicuous. This is especially common in well-lit conditions.
Is There a Way To Prevent Floaters From Developing?
Lifestyle choices and health measures may reduce the risk of developing floaters or slow their progression. These include:
- Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause eye damage.
- Avoid Eye Trauma: Physical impact or injury to the eye can cause floaters. Wear protective eyewear when necessary (e.g., during sports or hazardous work).
- Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin (found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, and nuts) support eye health.
- Eat Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these may help reduce inflammation and maintain the integrity of the vitreous gel.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make the vitreous gel more prone to shrinkage and clumping, contributing to floaters.
- Control Blood Sugar Levels: Conditions like diabetes can contribute to vitreous changes, increasing the risk of floaters.
- Track Blood Pressure: Hypertension can impact blood flow to the eyes. This may speed up eye aging and floaters.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can increase oxidative stress and damage the eye’s internal structures.
Regular eye exams can detect early changes in the vitreous and retina. If floaters appear suddenly or worsen, prompt evaluation can prevent complications.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
If you would like to learn more about Flashes & Floaters Overview & Treatment Options
in Stockton, Modesto, & Manteca, CA call 1-800-244-9907 to make an appointment at Central Valley Eye Medical Group.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Are you experiencing flashes or floaters? If so, your eyes should be assessed to rule out any serious conditions and ensure your vision remains healthy.
At Central Valley Eye Medical Group, Inc., our team provides thorough eye exams and personalized care for patients in Stockton, Modesto, and Manteca, CA.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more. Call us at 1.800.244.9907 or request an appointment online.
