Flashes & Floaters Specialist

InSight Retina Consultants, P.C.

Retina Specialists located in Denver, Aurora, Glenwood Springs and Edwards, CO

As your body ages, changes within your eyes can cause both flashes and floaters occasionally. But when you have a sudden increase in one or both, it can be a sign of a sight-threatening problem like retinal detachment. At InSight Retina Consultants, P.C., ophthalmologist Dennis O’Connell, DO, can expertly diagnose and treat the cause of your flashes and floaters. Making an appointment now may just save your vision, so don’t wait to get help if you’re having symptoms. There are offices in Aurora, Colorado, so call the one nearest you or use online booking now.

Flashes & Floaters Q & A

What are flashes and floaters?

Flashes and floaters are two symptoms that can disrupt your vision.

Flashes

Flashes are streaks or bursts of light inside your eye. This happens when the vitreous gel that fills your eye starts to rub or tug on your retina. It's normal to have occasional flashes as you age.

Floaters

Floaters are spots, lines, or random shapes that drift inside your visual field. You can see floaters when small collections of cellular matter within your vitreous body cast shadows on your retina. Most people have floaters occasionally, and they grow more common with age.

Floaters and flashers can sometimes, but don’t always, go hand-in-hand.

When should I see the doctor about flashes and floaters?

Fortunately, most occasional flashes and floaters aren't serious, but in certain situations, you need immediate medical attention. If you have any of the following issues, contact InSight Retina Consultants, P.C., right away:

Floaters or flashes that interfere with your eyesight
A large amount of new floaters
Frequent flashes
Shadows in your side vision
Gray curtain traveling across your visual field
Partially obscured eyesight

Any major change in your flashes or floaters could potentially signify severe problems like a torn retina or retinal detachment, so don't wait to get help if you notice these issues.

How are flashes and floaters diagnosed?

At InSight Retina Consultants, P.C., Dr. O'Connell performs a comprehensive eye exam to check your vitreous, retina, and other eye structures and make a diagnosis.

Depending upon your situation and needs, he can use high-tech approaches like optical coherence tomography, B scan ultrasonography, digital fluorescein angiography, color fundus photography, and indocyanine green angiography to view your inner eye closely and diagnose underlying problems.

How are flashes and floaters treated?

Treatment can vary widely based on the cause of your flashes and floaters. If you have only occasional symptoms and don't have an underlying eye condition, Dr. O'Connell may recommend the watchful waiting approach: You have regular exams to monitor changes.

If you have very intrusive floaters, serious vision impairment, or a problem like a retinal tear or retinal detachment, you may need either laser therapy, vitreous removal surgery, or another surgical procedure to prevent further damage.

Schedule your appointment by calling InSight Retina Consultants, P.C., or clicking on the online booking tool now.

What we offer