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 was seen by Dr Andrew’s and 2 techs Sarah Jaden Each of these people were extremely helpful to personally tell me they were sorry for the long waiting - and did so in a very personal and caring way even as busy as they were . Leaving me with a relaxed attitude and feeling about being a cared for patient with a comfortable understand of why the appointment took so much of my time.
Denver Eye Surgeons has always been top-of-the-line as far as I’m concerned, all of the staff are friendly, outgoing, helpful, and very kind, the doctors all seem to be top level as well, I’ve never had any complaints and I’ve been going there for years, I hope I can always go there for my eye needs.
Dr Anthony was great! Extremely thorough and explained everything that was happening and answered all my questions!
Kassidy Compton was amazing. Having never worn contacts and not even able to put drops in my eyes without blinking them in, I walked away being able to put in and take out the contacts. She was super positive and patient. Thank you Kassidy! Brandon
I have been going there since 2007 and have been happy with each appointment I have had.
Dr Jones & his entire team were Gold Standard professional in treating my wet macular degeneration. I highly recommend his practice.
I had a very positive experience at Denver Eye Surgeon’s. They were prompt, efficient and very professional. I left, at the completion of testing, feeling very comfortable that my time had been well spent.
Cassidy was knowledgeable and friendly when evaluating my eyes for contacts. And Dr. Purser was very prompt and thorough in examining my eyes. I've always gone to Denver Eye Surgeons and am always pleased with their technology, doctors, and processes!
A very pleasant visit. My technician Monica totally deserves my gratitude for attention to detail. She is a great listener and had answers to my questions. She made me feel comfortable and important; and actually Monica took time with me. I did NOT feel like I was rushed or pushed. Thanks Monica!! Great customer job!!!
Kayla M. did an exceptional job at making me feel comfortable. especially since it was a 1.5 session/ eye exam.
My wife kayleen has had a real positive experience at DW Eye. She appreciates the support she gets from a nurse named Tania. Makes her feel more calm and explains everything to her that’s being done
Tanya was great, she explained the process and I felt very comfortable. Enjoyed meeting Dr.Jones and feel that I am in great hands.
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!
