What are eye floaters and flashes?
If you have experienced specks or smudges in your vision, you may be experiencing what is referred to as a "floater." Floaters are tiny clusters of protein and collagen within the vitreous gel that cast a shadow on the retina. Flashes in the vision occur when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina which can be seen usually in darker or dim lighting and occurs when the eye moves. Floaters and flashes are very common; however, an increase in them should be evaluated by an eye care professional. The team at Heart of America Eye Care provides exams for such symptoms to see if there is an underlying vision concern we should be concerned about. If you have been experiencing frequent flashes or floaters, contact your nearest location in Shawnee Mission or Overland Park, KS, or Belton, MO to schedule a comprehensive vision exam.
How are eye floaters and flashes diagnosed and treated?
Most floaters and flashes don't require treatment, as they are often a result of the fluid inside our eyes beginning to shrink as we age. However, they could indicate a retinal tear or detachment and should be checked, as this could require emergency attention.
If your floaters or flashes are determined to cause a retinal tear, we may suggest laser treatment to prevent the retina from detaching. In the event the retina has already detached, we may recommend retinal surgery. While flashes and floaters are common occasionally, especially as we age, an increase in them could result from something more serious. While age-related flashes or floaters don't need to be treated, symptoms related to a retinal tear or detachment should be treated right away. For more information or to schedule an exam, contact one of our locations in Overland Park or Shawnee Mission, KS, or Belton, MO.
