Flashes and Floaters

You may sometimes see small specks or clouds that move through your peripheral vision. These are called floaters. They are often more prominent when looking at a bright background such as a white wall or a computer screen. Vitreous is the clear gel-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye. Floaters are actually small particles within this vitreous gel.

As we grow older, the vitreous gel can break down into more floating particles and can pull away from the inside surface of the eye, causing a posterior vitreous detachment. When this occurs, flashing lights can be seen. This represents pulling of the vitreous on the retina, which may cause a retinal tear or detached retina.
If you experience an increase in floaters or any flashing lights, please see one of our eye physicians as soon as possible. A torn retina can be treated effectively with retinal laser.