Flashes and Floaters near Chicago, IL

As eye issues can occur for a number of reasons, flashes and floaters are common images that move across an individual's field of vision. Appearing as dots, circles, lines, or specks, floaters can interfere with your site. Additionally, flashes appear as quick bursts of light within your vision. Both can be present due to the thickening of the vitreous gel or when the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina. Additional causes can be due to a:

• Retinal tear
• Eye infection
• Ocular tumors
• Hemorrhage

If you are experiencing flashes, floaters, or both, you should receive a thorough eye examination at Kirk Eye Center. Our skilled eye care professionals can help determine the cause of flashes and floaters and provide a necessary treatment option. Learn more by contacting one of our Chicago, IL area facilities today to schedule an eye exam.

Flashes and floaters often occur in patients over the age of 40 years old; however, they can develop at any age if underlying issues are present. While they can go away on their own, flashes and floaters may require treatment if an additional eye condition is detected. At Kirk Eye Center, our team will conduct a thorough eye exam to evaluate the health of your eyes. If any damage to your retina is detected, we can offer a number of different treatment options that can be personalized to your needs. Our goal is to ensure the overall health of your eyes and to restore as much vision as possible. 

Are eye floaters and flashes always serious?
In most cases, eye floaters and flashes are not severe and are a normal part of aging. However, in some cases, they can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment. If you are constantly experiencing flashes and floaters, it may be a sign that you should seek treatment.

When should I make an appointment with Kirk Eye Center for eye floaters and flashes?
You should see a doctor if:

• You experience many new floaters
• You see a lot of flashes
• A gray area obscures your vision
• A shadow appears in your peripheral vision

These could be signs of a retinal tear or detachment that requires immediate medical attention.

Are migraine headaches and eye flashes related?
Migraines and eye flashes may be related in some circumstances, as eye flashes or visual disturbances can sometimes be a migraine symptom. These symptoms, known as auras, can include flickering lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots in your field of vision. Auras usually last 20 – 60 minutes and are followed by a headache. However, not everyone who experiences migraines will have auras or eye flashes. Some people only experience migraines without any visual symptoms. If you experience eye flashes or other visual disturbances with your migraines, discussing this with Kirk Eye Center and/or your primary care physician is essential.

Both flashes and floaters can interfere with your vision and affect your quality of life. Thankfully, our team at Kirk Eye Center is here to help. Our skilled eye care professionals can provide comprehensive evaluations and detect any underlying conditions to offer personalized treatment. Contact us in River Forest, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL, to schedule your initial consultation.