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Flashes and Floaters

Illustration of floaters on retina

Although typically harmless, floaters and flashes can be somewhat of a nuisance. Most people experience the occasional specks, dots or flashes of light at some point in their lives, and understanding what they are and what causes them can give you peace of mind.

What Causes Flashes & Floaters?

As we age, the vitreous (clear, jelly-like fluid that fills the eye) begins to liquefy, form clumps that we see as floaters, and can eventually pull away from the back of the eye.

These changes in the vitreous gel are part of the normal aging process and usually occur without issue. However, in some people, the separation of the vitreous from the retina can result in bleeding, a retinal tear, a retinal hole or a retinal detachment.

Flashes in your vision can result from any forces pulling on your retina. Floaters can represent clumped vitreous gel, blood or cell aggregates. When you experience flashes and/or floaters it is important to see your eye doctor. By performing a dilated eye exam, your doctor will be able to determine the status of your retina. Please call to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing flashes or floaters.

How are Flashes and Floaters Treated?

Floaters usually don’t require medical attention and should fade with time. In the rare case where the retina becomes torn or detached, a retinal laser procedure or retinal surgery will be needed to prevent vision loss.

If you experience flashes and floaters, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Locations

The Mann Eye Institute is a leading eye care facility with seventeen locations in Humble, West Humble, Houston, Central Austin, North Austin, Sugar Land, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Livingston, Bay City, Pearland, Baytown, Tomball and Cleveland, Texas. With various locations in the Houston and Austin areas we can provide the full continuum of care, including; designer eyewear and eye care needs, LASIK eye surgery, cataract surgery, premium lens implants and dry eye treatment options. If you are seeking expert eye doctors in Texas contact us today!

Copperfield Office
6860 Highway 6 North, Ste. A
Houston, TX 77084
(281) 500-9605

Houston Fannin Office
5115 Fannin St., 10th Floor, Ste 1000
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 580-2500

The Woodlands Office
1501 Lake Robbins Dr. Ste. 130
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 367-2010

Pearland Office
10223 Broadway St., Ste. J
Pearland, TX 77584
(281) 971-9332

Spring Office
2616 FM 2920 Ste. I
Spring, TX 77388
(281) 353-8300

Tomball Office
14079 FM 2920
Tomball, TX 77377
(346) 701-4029

Katy Office
750 Westgreen Blvd.
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 392-3937

Humble - Deerbrook Office
9802 FM 1960 W, Ste. 110
Humble, Texas 77338
(281) 446-9333

Sugar Land Office
6424 E. Riverpark Dr.
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(713) 580-2525

Humble - S. Memorial Office
18850 S. Memorial Blvd.
Humble, TX 77338
(281) 446-7900

Livingston Office
1601 US-59 Loop North, Ste. 100
Livingston, Texas 77351
(936) 327-3937

Cleveland Office
429 West Southline
Cleveland, TX 77327
(281) 592-4343

Bay City Office
3612 Avenue F
Bay City, TX 77414
(979) 244-1450

Baytown Office
4750 East Freeway
Baytown, TX 77521
(281) 421-2020

South Austin Office
2600 Via Fortuna, Ste. 400
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-4123

North Austin Office
4314 W. Braker Lane Ste. 215
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 200-3937

Sun City Office
1530 Sun City Blvd., Ste. 150
Georgetown, TX 78633
(512) 327-3792

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