Flashes and Floaters

Flashes and floaters in your vision can be alarming, often appearing suddenly and causing concern. While some cases may be harmless, they can also signal serious underlying eye conditions. 

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What are Flashes and Floaters?

Flashes and floaters are visual disturbances that often appear in your line of sight. Flashes are sudden streaks or bursts of light that seem to occur in your peripheral vision, often resembling lightning or camera flashes. Floaters are small spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that seem to drift across your vision, especially when looking at bright backgrounds like a clear sky or white paper. While it can be a normal part of the aging process, sudden onset or increase can be a sign of a more serious eye condition, requiring immediate attention.

Symptoms of Flashes and Floaters

• Sudden appearance of flashes of light, often in peripheral vision
• Seeing new floaters or an increase in the number of floaters in your vision
• Blurry vision or difficulty focusing
• Seeing a "curtain" or shadow in part of your vision
• A noticeable decrease in vision clarity or distorted vision

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Causes and Risk Factors of Flashes and Floaters in your Vision

Flashes and floaters can arise due to several reasons, some of which are benign, while others may require medical intervention:

• Aging: As we age, the gel-like substance (vitreous) inside the eye begins to shrink and pull away from the retina, leading to the formation of floaters. Flashes may occur as the vitreous pulls on the retina.
• Retinal Tears or Detachments: A sudden increase in flashes or floaters may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss.
• Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): A common age-related condition where the vitreous gel separates from the retina, often causing floaters and flashes.
• Eye Injury or Trauma: Any impact or injury to the eye can cause flashes or floaters to appear as a result of damage to the retina or vitreous.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of retinal changes, which may cause flashes and floaters.
• Inflammation or Infection: Conditions like uveitis or eye infections may result in visual disturbances, including flashes and floaters.

Request an appointment now if you fare experiencing flashes or floaters in your vision.

Contact us Today for your Appointment

Early treatment is key so don't wait if you experience flashes or floaters in your vision. Trust Optique Boutique for immediate, expert eye care. Contact us today for an appointment to protect your vision.