Small specks or clouds moving in your vision are known as floaters. They are sometimes more noticeable when you are looking at a bright background, like a white wall or the blue sky. Floaters are tiny clumps of material moving inside the vitreous, which is the gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. Floaters can appear as different shapes such as cobwebs, clouds, circles, or little dots.
As we get older, it is very common to experience flashes and floaters as the vitreous gel changes with age, gradually pulling away from the retina. When the vitreous gel tugs on the retina, one may experience flashing lights. When the gel finally pulls free from the retina, one typically experiences floaters. This is known as a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and this is the most common reason for seeing new floaters. This is not a serious problem.
PVDs occur naturally with age. They may occur at a younger age in people who: are nearsighted, have undergone cataract surgery, have had YAG laser eye surgery, have had inflammation inside the eye, or have had an injury to the eye.
Sometimes, the gel can tear the retina as it pulls away from the retina. This also results in flashes and floaters. A torn retina is a serious problem as it can lead to a retinal detachment, which requires immediate attention. One cannot tell the difference between a PVD and a torn retina without a dilated eye exam. This is why the retina should be examined as soon as possible if one develops new flashes and floaters.
Another cause of flashing lights is an ocular migraine. Typically one sees shimmering lights that go away in 20-30 minutes without the development of new floaters. Other less common causes of new floaters are bleeding and inflammation in the eye.
Your pupils will be dilated with eye drops so that the eye doctor can examine your vitreous and retina in detail. Retinal images may be taken as well to help with the diagnosis.
Often floaters resulting from a PVD are harmless and they become less bothersome over time. Surgery or laser to remove floaters is rarely needed. If floaters are related to retinal tears or retinal detachment, immediate treatment either with lasers or surgery is required.
To learn more about the retina, the diagnosis of diseases, medical treatments, and surgical treatments for retinal diseases, please request an appointment or contact us for your exam at 303-279-6600.
Dr Crosby did a good job in explaining to me how to treat my dry eye condition. The Dr also suggested I see a cataract specialist to have my right eye corrected.
I hit 2 as far as satisfaction when I meant to type 1- sorry- service was wonderful, the doctor & staff were winderful. Professional & efficient. No complaints at all!
Dr Tetrault has managed my glaucoma for many years and he and the staff there have provided excellent care at every appointment. I feel confident I am receiving the best care possible and highly recommended him and Denver Eye Surgeons. We have my step daughter going there now to deal with macular degeneration.
The female surgeon I saw was very professional and gave me information about my eye that should have been given at my last visit about a spot on back of my eye. She was informative and thorough.
The staff and the doctor I saw for my upcoming cataract surgery was fantastic they were polite courteous and answered every question that I had I'm getting my first cataract surgery done next month
I recently saw Claire Purser, OD and Kassidy Campton, contac lens technician at Denver Eye Surgeons. They were both professional, knowledgeable and personable. Took time to answer all questions. The entire staff at the office deserve 5 star ratings.
I want to commend Kayla M. for her care and understanding with patients during check in. She is always cheerful and calm, never rushing anyone. A true professional!
They have taken excellent care of our eyes for years! I am confident they know what they are doing. The appointments are easy to schedule and there are plenty of comfortable chairs to wait for your appointment. The waiting time is brief. We are always satisfied!
Incredible customer service!!! Everyone was engaging, kind, supportive and professional ~all the way from the front desk, visit, exit. Dr Noguchi was excellent- bedside manner, medical intervention, demeanor. He is a world class physician and a classy gentleman. Thank you all for treating me like family
Tania was very nice and personable. She answered all my questions. Very very friendly! Dr. Costin was also very personable and good.
Tania came in to the exam room to perform the pre appointment examination before meeting with Dr. Purser. Tania was very thorough, professional and personable. A very good experience.
I was so impressed by your staff. One person really went out of her way, Tonia. Very helpful and kind. She has great patient care ethics. Great job team.
Everyone was wonderful and explained everything very thoroughly, including billing. Both office staff and doctors were great! I had a past retinal detachment and they treated it very seriously.
Kassidy did a fantastic job fitting me for my contacts. She was very patient and friendly and I am seeing great in my new monovision set up. Thanks Kassidy!
Great experience with Kassidy after cataract surgery for contact lens fitting. She explains everything in layman’s terms that make it easy to understand what I am experiencing very easy to understand. Thank you Kassidy.
Dr Costin was amazing. She is highly professional, very honest, and would recommend her to anyone. In fact, the entire staff was amazing.
Dr Crosby, her Tech and her assistant... First Dr Crosby's tech. I was so pleased with her. She did the exam and front end of my appointment. She was very detailed and thorough, as well as kind. The best I have had in many years of exams. Dr Crosby was new for me after my prior Dr left. Much better manner then the prior Dr. She answered all my questions and was very thorough and kind as well. Her assistant was very helpful, and I suspect the employee who helped me with a lost prescription. To conclude, a happy experience!
Able to see me quickly for an eye infection and staff very friendly including Joanna and Dr Crosby!
Thank you Kassidy for the contact fitting after cataract surgery. I know the second eye will be just as great a fitting!
Chi checked me in before I was seen by the doctor. Chi was very nice, pleasant and very patient with me when setting me up with my exams. Chi is very customer service oriented she’s a keeper in my books.
On the 13th of March 2026 I went in for a problem that had been increasing over time. The doctors assistant was attentive, professional and cheerful. Much appreciated. I was lucky to get Ophthalmologist Jonathan Noguchi, M.D.. He was professional, likeable and was calm during my apprehension. He identified my problem and explained what it was and how he could solve it. This procedure was to remove enflamed and plugged tear ducts and he had to insert a needle in 3 different places on both eyes, and I mean next to the eye to numb these spots. Then he simply removed the inflammation with small scissors. I would recommend this doctor. He was easy to like, knew what he was doing and he got right on it and had me going out the door lickety split..Thanks doc. I look and feel much better!
I went in for an appointment on Friday. I was greeted by Kayla. She is amazing and very helpful and friendly. Thank you for all your help Kayla💯❗
