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.
I went today for my annual eye exam. Kayla greeted me and took me for all the preliminary testing. She is very pleasant, explained it all thoroughly and quite professional. They are lucky to have her as an employee.
The waiting area is very nice, big and comfortable. Dr. Andrews and everyone else I dealt with were pleasant and very efficient.
Dr Andrews and his staff are amazing! I got an appointment within 2 days and the whole visit was well organized and very smooth!
What a wonderful place, staff, and location. Dr Crosby was very knowledgeable and professional, truly, top notch. The rest of the staff was just as incredible. I was very pleased with my whole experience. That's coming from a skeptic. I would go back for Dr. Crosby alone, but the rest of the staff were also very helpful. They even tightened my glasses because my 13-month-old decided to bend them a little bit too much 😂. It's that little attention to detail, and the knowledgeable staff like Dr Crosby that made me want to give this place a five star! From the friendly faces at the check-in desk to the delicious coffee machine to the knowledgeable medical staff, and the amazing doctor. All five stars!
Dr. Purser was extremely knowledgeable about patient needs. She was also willing to go above and beyond what I’ve seen most doctors do by helping find a way to reduce drug cost.
Dr Tetrault and his techs were very thorough and although I didn’t get the best news that I was hoping for, my eyes didn’t get any worse. Also, Penny in the optical department was very helpful in getting my glasses!
Kassidy was very thorough, knowledgeable and patient. Certainly an asset to this organization
Always a great experience. We have been clients of DES since we moved to Denver in 1993. Everyone from reception to checkout is 1st rate.
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.
