Floaters & Flashes

As we age the vitreous gel that fills our eye begins to liquefy and will eventually separate from the underlying retina and optic nerve. This process is called a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Common symptoms associated with a PVD are black or grey dots, lines, cobwebs and/or geographic shapes floating in the visual field (i.e., floaters) and flashes of light, similar to a light bulb flashing or the sensation of “seeing stars”.

When someone notices new onset floaters and/or flashes it is important to have a detailed dilated retinal examination to rule out the presence of a retinal tear or retinal detachment.

In most people, floaters will typically diminish with time because our brain learns to ignore them. However, in some patients floaters can persist and become very bothersome. In select cases, such patients may be candidates for vitrectomy surgery to remove vitreous floaters. To learn more about floaters & flashes, please call Hollywood Retina Consultants today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shienbaum.