San Antonio eye care
Flashes and floaters in San Antonio, TX
Floaters are specks or strings that drift through your vision. Most are harmless, but new floaters with flashes need a prompt exam to rule out a retinal tear.
What is flashes & floaters?
The inside of the eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous. With age, the gel thickens and shrinks, forming clumps that cast shadows on the retina. Those shadows are floaters.
When the gel pulls away from the retina (a posterior vitreous detachment), it can tug on the retina and cause flashes of light. Usually this is harmless, but sometimes it tears the retina, which can lead to a retinal detachment if not treated.
Call 830-379-3937 the same day for a sudden shower of new floaters, new flashes, or a curtain or shadow over part of your vision. After hours, go to an emergency room.
Flashes & floaters care in San Antonio
Patients come to our San Antonio – Medical Center office at 10935 Wurzbach Rd, Suite 202 for flashes & floaters care from Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Shavano Park, Leon Valley, Helotes, Universal City and across San Antonio. With three San Antonio offices (Medical Center, North Central and South), there is usually one close to home or work. Dr. Kavanagh operates at three San Antonio surgery centers, plus GRMC Outpatient in Seguin.
Symptoms
- Dots, cobwebs or strings that move as your eye moves
- Brief flashes or arcs of light, often at the side of vision
- Floaters are more noticeable against a bright sky or white wall
Risk factors
- Age over 50
- Nearsightedness
- Previous cataract surgery
- Eye injury
- Diabetic eye disease
How we evaluate it
A dilated exam lets us look at the entire retina, including the far edges where tears usually happen. If a tear is found early, Dr. Kavanagh can often seal it the same day with an in-office laser.
Treatment options
Dr. Kavanagh and our team see patients for flashes & floaters at our San Antonio office and across South Texas. Every plan is tailored to your eyes after an exam.
For educational purposes. This page explains common conditions and treatments to help you prepare for your visit. Your exam determines the right plan for your eyes.
NormalFloaters
How it can look
Flashes & floaters, seen through the patient's eyes
Drag the slider to compare normal vision with a simulation of floaters. Everyone's experience is different, and early stages may cause no visible change at all.
Questions
Common questions
Will my floaters go away?
They rarely disappear completely, but the brain learns to ignore them and they usually settle lower in the eye over time.
Are flashes dangerous?
New flashes always deserve an exam. Most are caused by harmless gel changes, but they can signal a retinal tear.
Related conditions
