Flashes & Floaters

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You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. They are called floaters. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. When people reach middle age, the vitreous gel may start to thicken or shrink, forming clumps or strands inside the eye. The vitreous gel pulls away from the back wall of the eye, causing a posterior vitreous detachment. It is a common cause of floaters.

Floaters Are More Common in Those Who Are:

  • Nearsighted
  • Have undergone cataract operations
  • Have had YAG laser surgery of the eye
  • Have had inflammation inside the eye

The appearance of floaters may be alarming, especially if they develop suddenly.

See an Ophthalmologist Right Away if.

  • Even one new floater appears suddenly, especially if you are over the age of 45
  • You see sudden flashes of light
  • You experience loss of side vision

Floaters can get in the way of clear vision, which may be quite annoying, especially if you are trying to read. You can try moving your eyes, looking up and then down to move the floaters out of the way.

While some floaters may remain in your vision, many of them will fade over time and become less bothersome.

North Carolina ENT has offices in Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Roxboro for treatment of Floaters.

Contact us today!  Make an appointment at one of our nearby offices, so we will discuss treatment options.