Flashes & Floaters in Wichita

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Do You See Flashes of Light or Shadows?

Floaters, the squiggly lines that float in our vision, and flashes, the spots or streaks of light that sometimes appear in our vision, are two visual phenomena that most people will experience throughout their lives.

We see hundreds of patients every year at The Eye Gallery who mention seeing eye floaters or flashes in their vision. Although irritating, flashes and floaters are generally not medically dangerous.

However, the sudden onset of flashes or floaters may be a sign of a condition that could lead to vision loss. Always mention your flashes and floaters during your eye exams, just so your optometrist can rule out harmful eye conditions.

More About Flashes

What Are Flashes?

Sometimes called “flashers” and often described as “seeing stars,” flashes of light occur in our vision when the retina is physically stimulated. The retina is the part of the eye loaded with light-sensitive cells. These cells transmit light as visual signals to the brain via the optic nerve.

As we age, the vitreous, the clear gel-like fluid that gives the eye its shape, changes, shrinks, thickens, and can pull or rub on the retina, causing flashes in our vision.

What Causes Flashes

Although it’s common to see flashes as we grow older, you can also see flashes if you’re physically hit in the eye or rub your eyes too hard, which applies force to the retina.

Flashes of light can also be a sign of a torn retina or retinal detachment or migraine headaches.

When Should You See Your Optometrist About Flashes?

If you see a change in your flashes’ frequency, or if they appear almost like fireworks, you should see Dr. Baldwin as soon as possible.

More About Floaters

What Are Floaters?

Floaters are the shadows, specks, or “cobwebs” that sometimes float around in your field of vision. They dart away when you try to look right at them, and they drift around when your eyes are at rest.

Almost everyone will complain about seeing eye floaters at least once. They occur when the vitreous shrinks and becomes stringy as we age, and are natural proteins suspended inside.

What Causes Floaters?

Inside your eye is a gel-like substance called the vitreous. As we age, the vitreous changes consistency, and microscopic clumps of protein form, casting shadows onto the retina as light passes through the eye. These are what become the floaters in our vision.

When Should You See Your Optometrist About Floaters?

Floaters are usually harmless—a natural part of getting older.

However, a sudden and significant increase in the volume of floaters should be investigated by an eye care professional immediately. A sudden increase in floaters may indicate a developing eye disease or other eye condition, like infection, uveitis, hemorrhage, retinal tears or detachment, or injury.

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12330 E. 21st St. N.
Wichita, KS 67206

Contact Information

Phone: (316) 315-0321
Email: info@eyegalleryks.com

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Monday

9 AM – 5 PM

Tuesday

9 AM – 5 PM

Wednesday

9 AM – 6 PM

Thursday

9 AM – 6 PM

Friday

9 AM – 5 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

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Testimonials

I am very pleased with my experience from entry to exit. I’m so happy I followed through with my friend’s referral to see Dr. Baldwin. Dr. Baldwin was very thorough and efficient and so friendly and listened to my concerns and wishes regarding contacts. The staff is great as well. Anna is very patient and understanding! She listened to my concerns from a few past experiences and took everything into consideration to best fit my needs for Rx sunglasses. For me, ordering Rx sunglasses is very difficult. I’m very happy to be a patient at The Eye Gallery.

Sandra

Megan Baldwin always does an amazing job with my kids! She is always super friendly, patient, and understanding and makes them feel comfortable! I highly recommend her and her wonderful staff!

Rori

Everyone in the office is friendly and professional. I needed help to choose a frame and they all helped me with good advice. The office is clean and working with COVID requirements to provide protection to all customers and workers there.

Anastasiya

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