Floaters look like small specks, dots, circles, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision. They are often more noticeable when looking at a plain background, such as a white page, wall, or clear sky. While they seem to be in front of your eye, they are floating inside. Floaters are often small clumps of protein inside the gel-like substance called the vitreous that fills your eye. What you see are the shadows these clumps cast on your retina.
As we grow older, the vitreous gel starts to shrink, forming clumps or strands inside the eye. The process of the vitreous pulling away enough to separate from the back wall of the eye is called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). It often results in a larger often round floater that can be symptomatic.
Flashes can look like flashing lights or lightning streaks in your field of vision. They happen when the vitreous pulls on the retina.
Sometimes floaters and flashes signal conditions that can lead to vision loss. These symptoms can be alarming, especially if they develop very suddenly. To find out if a retinal tear or retinal detachment (have these be terms patients can click on that will take them to the retinal tear/detachment section) is occurring, you should be evaluated with a thorough retinal exam immediately if you notice the following symptoms, especially if you are over 45 years of age, have had an injury to your eyes or head, or if you have substantial nearsightedness:
A sudden increase in size and number of floatersA sudden appearance of flashesHaving a shadow or curtain appear in your peripheral visionSeeing a gray curtain moving across your field of visionHaving a sudden decrease in your central vision'
Back
You may put your vision in the best hands by asking the proper questions of a potential LASIK physician using this No-Regrets Guide. We've included our own responses to these inquiries to prevent you from having to conduct an interview. But if you need more explanation or have other worries, let us know! We are at your service.
If you first experience a disaster like dry eye, the fundamental rule and recommendation would be to speak with a skilled ophthalmologist before putting anything in your eyes. Since choosing a treatment requires more pathophysiological understanding than simply purchasing the first eye drops you see.
Pterygium removal is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal tissue growing onto the cornea, often followed by a conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane graft to support healing and reduce recurrence. This recovery guide explains what to expect after surgery, how to use prescribed ointments and drops, why UV protection is essential, how dry eye management supports healing, and when to contact our office during recovery.
Prokera® Slim is an FDA-cleared biological medical device that uses amniotic membrane to support healing of the ocular surface. This treatment may help reduce inflammation, suppress scarring, and restore damaged eye tissue in conditions such as keratitis, chemical burns, corneal scars, epithelial defects, and severe dry eye. Prokera is placed in the office, worn continuously for several days, and removed by Dr. Benjamin at a follow-up visit.
Valeda Light Delivery System is an advanced treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration, designed to support retinal cells and help preserve visual function. The procedure uses photobiomodulation — low-level light therapy with specific wavelengths — and is performed quickly, without pain, eye drops, injections, or recovery time.
If your vision becomes blurry, hazy, or foggy months or years after cataract surgery, it may be caused by posterior capsule opacification — often called a “secondary cataract.” This is a common and treatable condition, not a return of the original cataract. At Benjamin Eye Institute, Dr. Arthur Benjamin performs YAG laser capsulotomy in the office to quickly and painlessly clear the cloudy capsule behind the lens implant, with no incisions or stitches and clearer vision often restored the same day.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. This recovery guide explains what to expect after eyelid surgery, including swelling, bruising, cold compresses, suture removal, activity restrictions, and important instructions to support safe healing and the best possible aesthetic result.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an in-office laser treatment designed to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This guide explains how SLT works, what to expect during the procedure, how Dr. Benjamin’s 180° treatment strategy is used, and why SLT may reduce or delay the need for daily glaucoma eye drops.
