Floaters & Flashes in St. Louis, MO

Floaters and flashes are visual disturbances that can affect your sight. Floaters appear as tiny specks, cobwebs, or strings that drift across your field of vision, caused by small clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. Flashes, on the other hand, look like flashes of light or lightning streaks and can occur when the vitreous gel pulls or rubs on the retina. While floaters and flashes are often harmless and a normal part of aging, they can sometimes indicate more serious conditions like retinal tears or detachment. At Retina Associates of St. Louis, we offer diagnosis and treatment for these issues. If you're in St. Louis, MO, and experience a sudden increase in floaters and flashes, it's important to seek a comprehensive eye examination to rule out any serious problems.

Floaters and flashes are typically monitored through regular eye exams to ensure they are not indicative of a more serious condition. At Retina Associates of St. Louis, our specialists will assess your symptoms and the health of your retina. In many cases, floaters do not require treatment and may diminish over time. However, if they significantly impair vision, a vitrectomy surgery might be considered to remove the vitreous gel and replace it with a saline solution. Flashes, particularly if they are sudden and accompanied by vision loss, can indicate retinal tears or detachment, which require immediate medical attention. Treatment options for these conditions may include laser surgery or cryotherapy to repair the retina and prevent further complications. Our team will work with you to best understand your treatment options.

When should I be concerned about floaters and flashes?
If you suddenly notice an increase in floaters or flashes, or if you experience a loss of peripheral vision or a shadow in your vision, it’s important to seek prompt medical care. These could be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, conditions that require immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

Are floaters and flashes more common as we age?
Yes, floaters and flashes are more common as people age. As the vitreous gel in the eye naturally shrinks and becomes more liquid, it can pull away from the retina, causing floaters. The process of aging can also make the retina more susceptible to issues like tears or detachment, which can lead to flashes of light.

Do floaters ever go away on their own?
In many cases, floaters may diminish or become less noticeable over time as the brain learns to ignore them. However, they typically don't disappear entirely. If floaters suddenly increase in number or size, it's important to see an eye doctor to ensure there’s no underlying retinal issue.

If you're experiencing floaters or flashes in your vision, it's important to seek professional advice to ensure they are not signs of a more serious condition. At Retina Associates of St. Louis, we offer comprehensive eye examinations to accurately diagnose and treat these visual disturbances. Located in St. Louis, MO, our team is dedicated to providing the best care to protect your vision.