64 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach 4551 07 5492 2822

Flashes & Floaters Treatment at Best Practice Eyecare Ophthalmologist Sunshine Coast

Flashes & Floaters


What are flashes & floaters?

Don’t be alarmed if you have suddenly become aware of a small black floating object in one of your eyes.  These take many forms and are frequently described as appearing like a cobweb, spider, small ring-shaped or hook-shaped object, or small black spots.  They move with the eye and can be seen to float past the centre of your vision as you turn your head or eye suddenly.  Often, bright flashes of light are experienced in the eye when you first notice the floaters or at times following its onset.  Flashes are most commonly noticed at night, but initially may be experienced during the day also.

If you experience an increase in the flashes, notice the appearance of a curtain-like area of lost vision or a shower of small black spots, please contact our friendly team at the clinic promptly on (07) 5492 2822.

Aerial view Maroochydore Best Practice Eyecare Caloundra eye flashes & floaters treatment page

FAQ’s

What causes flashes and floaters?

Most of the eyeball is filled with a clear, jelly-like substance, similar to a raw egg white, called the vitreous body.  In children and young adults, this jelly is more solid.  With ageing, areas within the jelly begin to liquefy and gradually become fluid.  As this natural degeneration proceeds, a stage is reached when the jelly suddenly collapses inward on itself toward the centre of the eye (an acute vitreous detachment).  Small strands of condensed jelly become suspended in the mobile fluid and move about in the eye casting a shadow on the retina in the back of the eye, creating the small floating shapes.  The jelly has stronger attachments to the retina on the inner wall of the eye in some areas.  With eye movement, the jelly wobbles, and may tug on the retina where it is still attached, generating lightning-like flashes.  Occasionally, as the jelly collapses away from the wall of the eye, it creates a small tear in the retina due to the pulling.  This can then lead to a lifting off of the retina (a retinal detachment).  Sometimes, bleeding can occur from a torn blood vessel associated with a tear.  While these processes most commonly result from normal ageing in the eye, degeneration of the jelly occurs far earlier in people who are highly short-sighted or can be precipitated by a blow to the eye.

What is the treatment?

Generally, no treatment is required unless there is a tear or detachment of the retina.  A thorough examination of the eye, with the pupil dilated, is made to exclude problems with the retina.  If there are persisting flashes, the examination may need repeating 6 weeks or so later.  The floaters themselves are harmless and will remain in the eye, but usually are not noticed after a few weeks or months.  They are more of an annoyance.

Best Practice Eyecare is a leading Sunshine Coast ophthalmologist and eye care specialist. We are based in the beautiful coastal suburb of Golden Beach and provide an eye care service of the highest standard with a relaxed, friendly, patient-focused approach.

We service patients across all areas of the Sunshine Coast, including Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba, and Maroochydore.  We also regularly see patients from elsewhere in the region, including centres such as Kilcoy, Nambour and Cooroy.

Our practice is led by surgeon Dr Michael Karpa who treats a wide range of eye conditions such as cataractsglaucomamacular degenerationdry eyes, and flashes & floaters. Dr Karpa also undertakes eyelid surgery, including blepharoplasty (often known as an eyelid lift), and ptosis repair.

Please click here to book an appointment or call our friendly team of eye care specialists on (07) 5492 2822.

Common Eye Conditions

At Best Practice Eyecare, our Sunshine Coast ophthalmologist Michael Karpa diagnoses and treats a range of eye conditions. Click through for more information on the eye conditions we treat.

Best Practice Eyecare Ophthalmologists

Based on the Sunshine Coast, we provide ophthalmologist, eye care and surgical services of the highest standard. We treat and manage a wide range of eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and more.

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