Eye Floaters & Posterior Vitreous Detachment
New floaters or flashes of light can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. Dr. George Par provides urgent same-day evaluations to protect your vision.
New Floaters? Call Now: (702) 702-2002When Floaters Are an Emergency
Seek immediate evaluation if you experience any of the following — these can indicate a retinal tear or detachment:
- • Sudden shower of new floaters
- • Flashes of light (like lightning streaks)
- • Shadow or curtain moving across your vision
- • Sudden decrease in vision
Understanding Floaters and PVD
The inside of your eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous. As we age, the vitreous naturally becomes more liquid and starts to shrink. Small fibers within the vitreous clump together and cast shadows on the retina — these shadows are what we see as floaters.
A posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurs when the vitreous gel separates from the retina. This is a normal aging process that happens to most people, usually after age 50. The PVD itself isn't dangerous, but it can sometimes cause a retinal tear as the vitreous pulls away from the retina.
This is why new floaters always need to be evaluated by a retina specialist — to rule out a retinal tear or detachment that requires immediate treatment.
Vitreous Floaters
Vitreous changes and floater formation
What Happens During Your Floater Evaluation
Comprehensive Eye Exam
Dr. Par performs a thorough examination of both eyes, including visual acuity testing and eye pressure measurement.
Dilated Retinal Exam
Your pupils are dilated so Dr. Par can examine the entire retina, including the far periphery, looking for tears, holes, or detachment.
Advanced Imaging
Optos widefield retinal photography captures a 200° view of your retina. OCT imaging provides detailed cross-sections of the macula and vitreoretinal interface.
Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
Dr. Par will explain his findings and discuss any needed treatment. If a retinal tear is found, it can often be treated the same day with laser.
Treatment Options
Observation
Most floaters are harmless and become less noticeable over weeks to months as your brain learns to ignore them. If your retina is healthy, observation is the typical recommendation.
Most common approach for benign floaters
Laser for Retinal Tears
If a retinal tear is discovered during your evaluation, Dr. Par can perform laser photocoagulation to seal the tear and prevent it from progressing to a retinal detachment. This is often done the same day.
Prevents retinal detachment
Vitrectomy for Floaters
For severe, debilitating floaters that significantly impact quality of life, vitrectomy surgery can remove the floaters by replacing the vitreous gel. Dr. Par can discuss whether this option is appropriate for you.
For severe cases impacting daily life
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eye floaters dangerous?
Most floaters are harmless and caused by normal aging of the vitreous gel. However, new or sudden floaters can indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency. This is why any new onset of floaters should be evaluated promptly by a retina specialist.
Do floaters ever go away on their own?
Floaters don't completely disappear, but they often become much less noticeable over weeks to months. They tend to settle below the line of sight, and your brain learns to filter them out. Many patients report that their floaters bother them significantly less after a few months.
What's the difference between floaters and flashes?
Floaters are dark spots, strands, or cobwebs that drift through your vision. Flashes are brief streaks of light, usually in your peripheral vision. Flashes occur when the vitreous gel tugs on the retina. Both can be symptoms of a PVD, but flashes particularly warrant urgent evaluation as they suggest the vitreous is actively pulling on the retina.
How urgently should I be seen for new floaters?
New floaters, especially with flashes of light, should be evaluated within 24-48 hours. If you notice a shadow or curtain in your vision, seek evaluation immediately — this could indicate a retinal detachment. Desert Retina offers same-day urgent appointments for new floaters. Call (702) 702-2002.
New Floaters? Don't Wait.
New floaters or flashes of light need urgent evaluation to rule out a retinal tear or detachment. Desert Retina offers same-day urgent evaluations at all three locations.
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