Floaters and Flashes in The Villages, FL

What are floaters and flashes?

Floaters look like spots, threads or cobwebs that move as your eyes move. They are often tiny strands inside the clear gel of the eye casting shadows on the retina. Flashes are brief streaks or sparks of light.

Floaters often show up against a plain bright background, such as a clear sky or a white wall. Flashes can look like lightning streaks. They usually show at the edge of vision, and dim light makes them easier to see.

Not every new floater is an emergency, but it is hard to tell from the outside. That is why we would rather examine you quickly than have you guess.

Why it can be urgent

Possible retinal detachment. A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow across your vision can mean a retinal tear or detachment. Do not wait to see if it settles.

Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Who is at risk?

• Older age
• High nearsightedness
• Diabetes
• Past cataract surgery
• Eye injury, infection or inflammation

What a floaters visit looks like

When you call about Floaters and Flashes in The Villages, tell the team when the change began. Also say whether you see flashes, a shadow or a curtain. Then our team gets you in for an exam as soon as we can.

First, Dr. Russell checks your vision. Next, he uses drops to widen the pupils, then examines the back of the eye. This dilated exam looks for floaters, tears and other changes. After dilation, your near vision may be blurry and light may bother you for a few hours. So bring sunglasses and ask a friend or family member to drive you home.

Questions to ask your eye doctor

For example, ask whether your retina looks healthy today. You can also ask which changes mean you should call again, such as new flashes or a darker shadow. In addition, ask how soon to return for a recheck. Then write down the answers, because a worried day can blur your memory.

Everyday tips

Because floaters stand out against bright backgrounds, you may notice them most outdoors. Many people learn to ignore them. However, keep track of any change. With Floaters and Flashes in The Villages, a quick call costs little and gives you an answer. If the number of floaters jumps, or flashes appear, do not wait for your next routine visit.

What helps

Many age-related floaters need no treatment, and most people learn to ignore them. If another condition causes them, your doctor treats that condition. In some cases, a surgeon can remove floaters with a surgery called vitrectomy. Our office does not do that surgery.

Help With Floaters and Flashes in The Villages

For Floaters and Flashes in The Villages, we see sudden changes as medical eye visits. He performs a dilated exam to look at the retina. If you need surgical care for a tear, a detachment or another problem, we refer you to a trusted retina specialist. We co-manage your care with that specialist. Dr. Russell is an optometrist and does not perform surgery.

Our office is at 2478 Burnsed Blvd and we are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (352) 399-5412.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Common questions

Are floaters normal?

Occasional floaters are common with age and usually harmless. Get a sudden increase or new flashes checked promptly.

Should I call even if it is a weekend?

Yes. Use the emergency line above, or go to the nearest emergency room, when our office is not open.

Can floaters go away on their own?

Some fade or settle below your line of sight, and many people grow comfortable with them. An exam is the way to know yours are not a warning sign.