Flashes & Floaters

Flashes & Floaters Overview

Have you recently experienced sudden, random flashes of light in your vision? Have you also noticed a new floater that sways across your vision? If so, this might be a common problem called Posterior Vitreous Detachment that is a normal part of aging.

The gel inside the eye, called the vitreous, naturally shrinks over time and pulls off from its connection to the retina. As it does this, it stimulates the retinal nerve fibers, so your brain registers a flash that isn’t really there. Also, the main connector piece between the vitreous and the retina becomes loose, and sways in the space in front of the retina, casting a small shadow that you will see as a floater.

Typically this process is not vision threatening however, in some cases, the typical vitreous detachment can lead to a vision-threatening retinal detachment. For this reason, it is important to see your eye doctor to make sure your eyes are healthy and your vision is safe.

Flashes & Floaters Treatment

Other than an eye examination to make sure your eyes are still healthy, usually flashes need no treatment. Once the vitreous detachment process completes, the flashes should stop. This process could take a few days to a few months. If there is damage to the retina during this process, then sometimes a laser treatment is used to decrease the chances of a retinal detachment.

As for the new floaters, most of the time they will become less bothersome over a few month’s time, as the brain learns to ignore them. However, if the floater is large enough, the brain will not be able to ignore it, and the symptoms may continue to be bothersome over a long time. If the floaters are bothersome for more than 3 months after the process begins, it’s time to talk with your doctor about YAG Laser Vitreolysis.

Signs That It’s Time for a Routine Evaluation for Flashes & Floaters

Signs That It’s Time for an Emergency Evaluation for Flashes & Floaters

During this procedure, your surgeon will use the YAG laser to break up floaters in the vitreous into small pieces are your brain should be able to ignore much more easily. The procedure can take anywhere from 2-10 minutes per session (it may take more than one session).

This procedure doesn’t actually remove the floaters from the eye, but it modifies them to make them much less bothersome, if even noticeable at all. Not all floaters are good candidates for the laser treatment, and some do much better with surgical removal. Your doctor will help you determine whether the laser procedure or the surgery would be more appropriate in your own case.

The goal is to help you return to function vision—where you can perform everyday activities without hindrance. Patients typically report a comfortable experience with this treatment. Ask your eye doctor if this is the right solution for your eyes during your appointment.