Flashes and Floaters in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN

Flashes and floaters are common images that drift across the field of vision. Floaters appear as small dots, specks, circles, lines, or cobwebs while flashes are short, quick bursts of light. They usually occur when the vitreous gel of the eye thickens or pulls away from the retina. Other causes include a retinal tear, infection, hemorrhage, and ocular tumors. In many cases, flashes and floaters are signs of minor vision problems, but they can also be symptoms of severe eye disorders. Keeping up with routine eye exams can help detect these issues before they become a serious cause for concern. Contact our team at Ticho Eye Associates today to book an appointment. We are conveniently located in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN. We look forward to serving you.

Flashes and floaters are very common but are typically more prominent in patients who are 40 years and older. These visual disturbances typically go away on their own, but they can be signs of a serious eye issue that may require treatment. At Ticho Eye Associates, we'll perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your condition and determine if any treatment is necessary. If there is any damage to the retina, different therapies may be used to correct the issue, which will help reduce flashes and floaters.

Are flashes and floaters indicators of a serious eye condition?

Not typically if you only have a few of them. While most flashes and floaters can go away naturally on their own, sometimes they may be indicators of more serious eye issues. This may include retinal tears or retinal detachment. If you have flashes and floaters that suddenly seem a higher number than normal, don’t go away, or worsen over time, you may want to schedule an eye exam.

What do flashes and floaters look like?

Flashes and floaters can look different for different people. The most common appearance of flashes and floaters look like:

• Dark spots
• Squiggly lines
• Small shadow-like objects
• Dots
• Bubbles
• Little fuzzy "spiders"
• Tiny thread-like lines
• Bright spots or sparks

How common is it to have flashes and floaters?

It is actually very common. Studies have shown that about 70% of people may currently have or will experience flashes and floaters at some point in their life. As people age, it becomes more common to have flashes and floaters.

While flashes and floaters can be irritating, they typically disappear over time. If they are becoming too bothersome or occurring more frequently, these are usually signs of a more serious eye issue. Call Ticho Eye Associates in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, or Munster, IN to set up a comprehensive eye exam today. Our team can assess your ocular structures to determine if you have a retinal detachment or tear and provide the therapy you need to maintain optimal eye health.