Important Announcement: We've partnered with ReFocus Eye Health to best focus on providing the best patient care possible. Of course, our doctors and staff will remain the same but our name, logo, and website will be updated as we integrate with the ReFocus family of eye clinics. This will not affect your appointments or your patient experience in the least. 

Important Annoucement: Our Blue Bell clinic is now closed. All patients from that office will be seen at our state-of-the-art North Wales location, where they can expect the same caliber of exceptional eye care and patient experience. This location is only 6 miles away and has ample parking.

What are Eye Flashes and Floaters?

The Vitreous

As the eye ages the gel-like fluid inside the eye, better known as the vitreous, will start to shrink and liquefy causing it to move away from the retina. As this process occurs one could experience a flash of light, similar to a lightning streak that occurs in both bright and dim light as well as when the eye is open or closed.

A person could also see black, gray, or translucent floating dots, shapes, or lines that move when they move their eyes. While the floaters can be annoying at first, with time the brain will typically start to ignore them.

What should I do if I experience these symptoms?

While experiencing eye flashes and floaters is very common and can be a normal age-related change, it could also be a warning sign for a retinal tear or detachment. Risk factors for a retinal tear or detachment include but are not limited to nearsightedness, trauma, or family history. If you experience any new or increase in eye flashes and floaters seek care immediately for a dilated eye examination. 

Author
Lindsey Barouh, OD Lindsey Barouh, OD Lindsey Barouh, OD, is a board-certified optometrist at Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons, PC, where she treats patients at the practice’s offices in Blue Bell, North Wales, and Hatboro, Pennsylvania. As an optometrist, Dr. Barouh's areas of special interest include routine eye care, such as contact lenses and the management and treatment of various ocular diseases. Like her colleagues, Dr. Barouh is committed to providing compassionate care and comprehensive vision treatment to patients throughout Greater Philadelphia. She treats every patient as an individual, offering them the most personalized care in a warm, welcoming environment.

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