The Truth About Floaters and Flashes: What You Need to Know

Floaters and flashes are visual disturbances that most people experience at some point in their lives. While they can be harmless, they can also indicate a serious underlying condition. In this article, we will explore the truth about floaters and flashes, and what you need to know to protect your eye health.

Firstly, it’s important to understand what floaters and flashes are. Floaters are tiny specks or spots that drift across your field of vision. They are actually shadows cast on the retina by particles floating in the vitreous humor, the clear gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. Flashes, on the other hand, are brief bursts of bright light that can appear at the edge of your vision. They are caused by the vitreous pulling on the retina, either due to age-related changes, injury or trauma to the eye.

While floaters and flashes are usually harmless, they can be a symptom of a serious condition such as retinal detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. That’s why it’s important to seek professional medical attention if you experience any sudden or severe onset of floaters or flashes, or if you notice a sudden change in your vision.

Dr. Dolan, from 2020 Vision in Rochester Hills, MI, is an experienced eye doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating eye problems, including floaters and flashes. He stresses the importance of regular eye exams, especially if you have a family history of eye disease, as this can help detect and treat any underlying conditions before they lead to permanent damage.

In addition, Dr. Dolan recommends that you avoid smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle to protect your eyes, as smoking can increase your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions.

In conclusion, floaters and flashes are common and usually harmless, but they can be a symptom of a serious underlying condition. Therefore, it’s important to seek professional medical attention if you experience anything abnormal or suddenly change in your vision. Make an appointment with Dr. Dolan at 2020 Vision in Rochester Hills, MI by calling 248 375 0040 to schedule a thorough eye exam and to protect your precious vision today.