General Eye Care, Vision Correction
Have you recently seen tiny spots, squiggly lines, or flashes of light in your vision? These floaters and flashes are common, and often harmless—but they can sometimes indicate a serious retinal condition. Recognizing the warning signs and getting prompt care can protect your eyesight.
For residents in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach, Lompoc, and Orcutt, this guide explains what floaters and flashes mean and when to seek help from a retina specialist.
What Are Floaters and Flashes?
- Floaters: Small shapes or specks drifting through your vision, often moving as your eyes move.
- Flashes: Brief streaks or bursts of light, usually seen in your peripheral vision.
These symptoms typically result from changes in the vitreous, the clear gel inside your eye. Over time—or after eye injury or surgery—the vitreous can pull away from the retina, a process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). While this can be harmless, strong traction can create a retinal tear, which may progress to retinal detachment, a sight-threatening emergency.
When to Seek Immediate Evaluation
You should contact an eye specialist promptly if you experience:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Persistent flashes of light
- A shadow, curtain, or dark area across your vision
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
Even mild symptoms warrant evaluation, as only a thorough eye exam can confirm if the retina is intact.
Why Timely Action Matters
The retina converts light into signals for the brain. If it tears or detaches, vision can deteriorate quickly, and permanent loss is possible without treatment. Early detection and intervention dramatically improve outcomes.
Prompt evaluation by a retina specialist can prevent detachment or repair it successfully if it has already occurred.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
At Pacific Eye Surgeons, your eye exam may include:
- Dilated retinal examination to view the back of the eye
- Advanced imaging like OCT or wide-field photography
- Treatment planning if a tear or detachment is found
Treatment options may include:
- Laser therapy or cryotherapy: Seals small retinal tears before they worsen
- Pneumatic retinopexy: Uses a gas bubble to reposition the retina
- Scleral buckle or vitrectomy: Surgical solutions for more complex detachments
These procedures are often outpatient, and early intervention can preserve vision.
What our patients are saying:
“I just moved from out of state, and this office was wonderful in their friendliness, efficiency, and professionalism! Dr. Spiegel was very thorough and great in answering all my questions! Thank you!”
Protecting Your Vision with Pacific Eye Surgeons
Pacific Eye Surgeons offers comprehensive retinal care, along with vision correction procedures, cataract surgery, and routine eye exams. With offices in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Pismo Beach, Lompoc, and Orcutt, we provide expert eye care close to home.
If you notice new floaters or flashes, don’t wait—these can be signs of a retinal problem that requires urgent attention.
Request an appointment today or call Pacific Eye Surgeons to schedule your evaluation with our retina specialist.
