Floaters & Flashes Treatment in Chicago, IL
Have you been noticing spots, specks, or flashes of light in your vision? At Ideal Family Eye Care, our experienced optometrists can evaluate and diagnose the cause of floaters and flashes and determine whether they are a harmless occurrence or a warning sign of a serious condition that requires prompt attention. Don’t ignore sudden changes in your vision — call us right away.
request an appointmentWhat Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small spots, specks, strands, cobwebs, or other shapes that appear to drift through your field of vision. They may look like tiny shadows or translucent shapes that seem to float in front of your eye and move as you move your gaze. Floaters are actually shadows cast by clumps of collagen or cells suspended within the vitreous humor — the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. As the vitreous gradually liquefies and shrinks with age, these clumps become more noticeable.
For most people, occasional floaters are a normal and harmless part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters — especially when accompanied by flashes of light — can be a warning sign of a more serious condition such as retinal detachment and requires immediate evaluation at Ideal Family Eye Care or an emergency eye care provider.
What Are Eye Flashes?
Eye flashes are brief streaks or pulses of light — similar to the “stars” you might see when you rub your eyes too hard — that appear in your visual field. They occur when the vitreous gel tugs on or rubs against the retina, stimulating the retinal cells and creating the sensation of light. Flashes are often most noticeable in a dark room or when you first close your eyes.
Like floaters, occasional flashes are common as part of normal aging vitreous changes. However, a sudden onset or significant increase in flashes — particularly when combined with new floaters, a shadow in your peripheral vision, or a curtain-like obstruction — can be an emergency sign of retinal detachment or a retinal tear, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.
When Should You See a Doctor for Floaters & Flashes?
You should call Ideal Family Eye Care immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:
- A sudden, dramatic increase in the number of floaters
- Flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision
- A dark shadow, curtain, or veil spreading across any portion of your vision
- A sudden loss of vision in one eye
These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or detachment — a sight-threatening emergency. Time is critical. Even if the cause turns out to be benign, it is always better to be seen promptly. Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 right away.
Diagnosing & Treating Floaters and Flashes at Ideal Family Eye Care
Our providers diagnose the cause of floaters and flashes through a comprehensive dilated eye exam, allowing direct examination of the vitreous, retina, and peripheral retinal edges. In most cases, floaters and flashes are caused by benign age-related vitreous changes and require no treatment beyond monitoring. When a retinal tear or detachment is identified, prompt referral to a retinal specialist for laser treatment or surgical repair is arranged immediately. To have your floaters or flashes evaluated in Chicago, IL , call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floaters & Flashes
What causes eye floaters?
Floaters are caused by clumps of collagen or cells in the vitreous humor — the gel inside the eye — that cast shadows on the retina. They become more common as the vitreous liquefies and shrinks with age. Most floaters are harmless, but a sudden increase should always be evaluated promptly.
Are eye floaters dangerous?
Most floaters are benign and simply an inconvenience of aging. However, a sudden onset of many new floaters — especially with flashes of light or a shadow in your vision — can signal a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate care.
What causes flashes of light in vision?
Flashes occur when the vitreous tugs on the retina, stimulating the retinal cells to produce the perception of light. Occasional flashes are common with aging vitreous changes, but a sudden increase in flashes alongside new floaters can indicate a retinal emergency.
When should I seek emergency care for floaters and flashes?
Seek immediate care if you experience a sudden dramatic increase in floaters, new or worsening flashes of light, a shadow or curtain across any portion of your vision, or sudden vision loss. These are potential signs of retinal detachment requiring urgent treatment. Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 or go directly to the emergency room.
Can floaters be treated or removed?
Most floaters don’t require treatment and often become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts. In cases of very severe, vision-impairing floaters, a procedure called a vitrectomy may be considered by a specialist. Our providers at Ideal Family Eye Care will assess your floaters and advise on the most appropriate course of action.
How are floaters and flashes diagnosed?
A comprehensive dilated eye exam at Ideal Family Eye Care allows our providers to directly examine the vitreous, retina, and peripheral retinal edges to determine whether the floaters and flashes are benign or indicate a condition such as a retinal tear that requires treatment.
How do I schedule an evaluation for floaters and flashes at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 as soon as possible, especially if your floaters or flashes appeared suddenly. Our team will schedule your evaluation promptly and advise on next steps.