Floaters & Flashes Treatment in Long Beach, CA
While occasional floaters and flashes of light are common, persistent or worsening symptoms can be a sign of a serious retinal problem that requires prompt evaluation. At Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA, board-certified ophthalmologist Darren Knight, MD, and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating floaters and flashes, identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms, and recommending the most appropriate personalized care. Call (562) 534-1777 today or book your appointment online.
What Are Eye Floaters and Flashes?
Eye floaters and flashes are visual disturbances that appear as squiggly lines, spots, shadowy shapes, or sudden bursts of light in your field of vision. They are caused by changes within the vitreous — the clear, gel-like substance that fills the space between your lens and your retina at the back of the eye. The vitreous plays an important role in maintaining the shape of the eye and allowing light to pass through clearly to the retina.
As we age, the vitreous naturally begins to shrink and become more liquid, breaking apart into smaller fibers and clumps. When these particles drift past the macula — the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision — they cast tiny shadows that appear as floaters. Flashes of light, on the other hand, occur when the vitreous tugs or pulls on the retina, stimulating the retinal cells and producing the sensation of brief streaks or bursts of light.
For many people, occasional floaters are a normal part of the aging process and resolve on their own without treatment. However, a sudden increase in floaters, the appearance of new flashes, or floaters accompanied by a shadow or curtain in your peripheral vision can be warning signs of a more serious condition such as a retinal tear or detachment. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Apex Retina Institute at (562) 534-1777 immediately for an urgent evaluation.
What Are the Symptoms of Floaters and Flashes?
Floaters and flashes can present differently from person to person. Common visual symptoms include squiggly or curved lines, spots, spider-like shapes, thread-like strands, small shadowy shapes that drift across your vision, and sudden bright flashes or bursts of light — particularly in your peripheral vision. Some patients describe their floaters as cobwebs or rings that move as they shift their gaze. If any of these symptoms are new, worsening, or accompanied by vision changes, do not wait to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Knight at Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA.
Who Is at Risk for Floaters and Flashes?
Floaters and flashes can affect anyone, but certain factors are known to increase the likelihood of experiencing them. Adults over the age of 50 are at greater risk due to the natural aging changes of the vitreous. People with diabetes are also at elevated risk, as diabetic changes to the eye can contribute to vitreous and retinal complications. Nearsightedness (myopia) is another significant risk factor, as the elongated shape of a nearsighted eye places greater mechanical stress on the vitreous and retina. Patients who have undergone cataract surgery may also notice an increase in floaters following their procedure.
Beyond these individual risk factors, floaters and flashes are frequently associated with conditions involving retinal inflammation, swelling, or traction. Conditions such as retinal vascular disease and macular pucker can all contribute to new or worsening floater symptoms. A thorough retinal evaluation at Apex Retina Institute is the best way to determine whether an underlying condition is responsible for your symptoms.
How Are Floaters and Flashes Diagnosed?
At Apex Retina Institute, Dr. Knight takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating floaters and flashes. Your appointment will begin with a detailed review of your medical and ocular history and a discussion of your symptoms, including when they started, how quickly they developed, and whether you have noticed any associated changes in your vision. Dr. Knight will then perform a thorough dilated eye examination, which allows him to directly visualize the vitreous, retina, and optic nerve in detail.
In addition to the dilated exam, Dr. Knight may order optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to capture highly detailed, cross-sectional views of your retina and vitreous interface. OCT is a non-invasive, painless imaging technology that helps Dr. Knight detect subtle retinal changes, traction, or fluid that may not be visible during the clinical exam alone. Together, these diagnostic tools give Dr. Knight the information needed to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate course of action — including ruling out a retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency.
How Are Floaters and Flashes Treated?
The treatment approach for floaters and flashes depends entirely on the underlying cause, the severity of your symptoms, and whether your vision is being affected. In many cases where floaters are caused by normal age-related vitreous changes and no retinal pathology is identified, Dr. Knight may recommend a careful “watch and wait” approach. Many floaters become less noticeable over time as the brain adapts to their presence or as they settle out of the central line of sight.
When floaters are persistent, numerous, or significantly impacting quality of vision, more active treatment may be warranted. A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure in which Dr. Knight removes the vitreous gel — along with the floating debris within it — and replaces it with a clear saline solution. This approach provides the most definitive resolution of floater symptoms and is considered when conservative management is no longer sufficient.
In select cases, retinal laser treatment may be used to break up dense clusters of floaters, reducing their size and visibility within the visual field. If your floaters or flashes are the result of an underlying retinal condition — such as a tear, retinal detachment, or diabetic retinopathy — Dr. Knight will address the root cause directly as part of your comprehensive treatment plan. To explore your options and get the answers you need, request an appointment online or call Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA at (562) 534-1777 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floaters and Flashes
When should I be concerned about eye floaters and flashes?
While occasional floaters are a normal part of aging, certain symptoms warrant urgent evaluation by a retina specialist. You should contact Apex Retina Institute at (562) 534-1777 right away if you experience a sudden onset of many new floaters, a significant increase in flashes of light, a shadow or dark curtain spreading across your peripheral vision, or any sudden loss of vision. These symptoms can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment — a sight-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Can floaters go away on their own?
In many cases, yes — floaters caused by normal age-related vitreous changes often become less noticeable over time as the brain learns to filter them out or as they settle below the line of sight. However, floaters that are new, numerous, or accompanied by flashes of light should always be evaluated promptly by Dr. Knight at Apex Retina Institute to rule out any underlying retinal pathology. Never assume floaters are harmless without a professional examination.
What causes a sudden increase in floaters?
A sudden increase in floaters is most commonly caused by a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) — a condition in which the vitreous gel separates from the surface of the retina. While PVD is a normal part of aging, it can in some cases cause a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which requires urgent care. A sudden shower of new floaters can also be caused by bleeding into the vitreous from conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vascular disease.
Is treatment for floaters covered by insurance?
Apex Retina Institute accepts a wide variety of insurance plans to help make retina care accessible to patients throughout Long Beach, CA and the surrounding area. Medical treatment for floaters and flashes — particularly when related to an underlying retinal condition — is often covered by insurance. We encourage you to visit our insurances page or call our office at (562) 534-1777 to verify your specific coverage before your appointment.
What is the difference between floaters and flashes?
Floaters are small visual disturbances — such as spots, strings, or cobweb-like shapes — that drift across your field of vision and are caused by particles within the vitreous casting shadows on the retina. Flashes, on the other hand, appear as brief streaks or bursts of light, typically in the peripheral vision, and are caused by the vitreous physically pulling on or stimulating the retina. Both floaters and flashes can occur together, and both should be evaluated by a retina specialist like Dr. Knight at Apex Retina Institute if they are new or worsening.
Can floaters and flashes be a sign of macular degeneration?
While floaters are not a primary symptom of macular degeneration, any new or changing visual symptoms in a patient with AMD should be evaluated promptly. Flashes of light, in particular, can sometimes be associated with changes at the vitreoretinal interface that may be relevant to patients with macular conditions. Dr. Knight will conduct a thorough examination to assess all aspects of your retinal health and determine whether any treatment is needed.
How do I schedule an appointment for floaters and flashes at Apex Retina Institute?
To schedule an evaluation for floaters and flashes at Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA, call our office at (562) 534-1777 or request an appointment online. If you are experiencing sudden or severe symptoms, please call us directly so we can prioritize your care. New patients can visit our new patients page to learn what to expect at your first visit.