At M&M Eye Institute in Prescott, Arizona, we appreciate that noticing floaters or flashes in your vision can be concerning. Floaters and flashes in your vision are common and usually benign, but in some cases, they may signal a more serious condition. Our experienced team is here to help you understand what’s happening and to determine the best course of action.
What Are Floaters?
Floaters appear as tiny spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that drift through your field of vision. They are usually caused by small clumps of cells or gel within the vitreous, the clear substance that fills the inside of your eye.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
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Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): As the vitreous pulls away, it may tug on the retina, triggering flashes.
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Retinal tears or detachment: Patients often report persistent or sudden flashes when the retina is torn or begins to detach.
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Ocular trauma: A blow to the head or eye can physically stimulate the retina, causing a flash-like sensation.
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Migraine aura (ocular migraine): In this case, flashes are due to neurological changes rather than retinal traction and often appear as shimmering lights or zigzag patterns.
What Are Flashes?
Flashes are brief bursts of light that you may see in your peripheral vision. They can occur when the vitreous tugs on the retina; in some cases, they could be an early warning sign of retinal detachment.
What Causes Flashes?
- Natural aging of the eye
- Inflammation (e.g., uveitis), where inflammatory debris enters the vitreous
- Hemorrhage, such as from diabetic retinopathy or trauma, where red blood cells leak into the vitreous
- Ocular surgeries or laser treatments, which can disrupt the vitreous structure
- Infections or infiltrative diseases, such as lymphoma, that affect the vitreoretinal interface
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): The vitreous pulls away from the retina as it shrinks. While often benign, PVD can occasionally exert traction on the retina, increasing the risk of retinal tears or detachments.
Treatment Options for Floaters & Flashes
While floaters and flashes often resolve independently, they may sometimes point to underlying eye conditions that require attention.
- Observation & Monitoring: Many cases only require periodic observation and symptom tracking.
- Medical Therapy: For inflammatory or infectious causes, medications may be prescribed.
- Referral for Surgical Evaluation: We refer patients to trusted specialists for severe floaters or confirmed retinal detachment for potential vitrectomy or laser repair.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While floaters and flashes are often harmless, you should contact our eye care professionals immediately if you notice any of the following:
- A sudden increase in the number or size of floaters
- Recurrent flashes of light
- A shadow or curtain appears over your vision
- Any sudden loss of vision
Early evaluation is key to preventing complications, especially for older adults. The symptoms above may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Our Approach to Floaters and Flashes at M&M Eye Institute
At M&M Eye Institute, we take symptoms like floaters and flashes seriously. Using advanced imaging technology, our team performs thorough evaluations to determine whether your symptoms are age-related or signs of a more serious retinal condition. With over 35 years of experience, we provide personalized treatment plans—ranging from monitoring to urgent intervention—focused on protecting your vision and maintaining your quality of life. If you’ve noticed sudden changes in your vision, schedule a free consultation with our trusted team today.