Flashes and Floaters
Floaters may be caused by a tear in the retina which is a serious problem. If a retinal tear is not treated then the retina may become detached from the back of the eye. The only treatment for a detached retina is surgery. Other floaters are harmless and will disappear over time and not require any treatment. If you are familiar with floaters because you have suffered from them for years, you should still see your doctor if suddenly new ones develop
Floaters are more common when people reach middle age. The vitreous gel becomes thicker or shrinks as we age, forming stands or clumps within the eye. The vitreous gel can begin to pull away from the back of the eye, causing a posterior vitreous detachment, a common cause of floaters.
Flashes appear as flashing lights or lightning streaks. They can appear on and off for multiple weeks, and become more common as the eye ages. Some people experience the flashes of light appearing as jagged lines in both eyes at once, lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. These flashes are usually caused by a spasm of blood vessels in the brain, which is a migraine.
As we grow older, it is more common to experience flashes. They can appear off and on for several weeks or months. If you notice the sudden appearance of light flashes, you should contact your eye doctor immediately in case the retina has been torn.
Your eye doctor may dilate your pupil with eye drops to do a full examination. The exam is painless, your doctor will examine all the areas of your eye including the retina and vitreous gel. If your eyes have been dilated, you may require a ride home after your appointment.
Schedule Your Appoinment
Your Eye Appointment
What to bring with you!
Make the most of your appointment time. Your Doctor will want to review your medical history as well as address your eye care concerns. You will get more out of your appointment if you stop now and prepare.
1. Bring any eyeglasses or contact lenses you currently wear.
2. Bring a list of all current medications.
3. Bring a list of serious illnesses or surgeries in your past.
4. Bring a list of your current illnesses or report on your wellness program.
5. Bring your insurance card and referral from your primary Doctor if your insurance requires a referral. Or, if you are paying cash, bring your credit card or checkbook. Payment will be expected at the time of your appointment and on the day of surgery. You may wish to take advantage of CareCredit or ChaseHealthAdvance, and can apply on-line before your appointment.
See Better After a Cataract Surgery
Cataract patients now have an option to see at both near and far distances after cataract surgery! Individuals suffering from cataracts previously had only a mono-focal lens implant option after surgery. NEW multi-focal IOL technology can now decrease dependence on glasses after surgery. 
What Our Patient Says
“My experience at the Harman Eye Clinic resulted in excellent vision. I was not able to see the alarm clock at night and now after LASIK I can see everything. My vision is 2020 and my lifestyle has drastically improved. I have a much more active life and I never have to worry about taking my contacts in and out” 
Washington Eye Doctors | Second Opinions
If you would like to get a second opinion regarding your eye surgery options it is always better to know before surgery then to make a wrong decision. Because our practice is regarded as one of the regions TOP ophthalmology practices we take second opinions very seriously. 
