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Eye floaters & flashes care in Bellflower
Most floaters are harmless. But a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light or a shadow in your vision can signal a retinal tear that needs prompt care.
A sudden shower of floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain over your vision can mean a retinal tear or detachment. Call us immediately. If we’re closed, go to the nearest emergency room.
What floaters are, and when they matter
Floaters are small specks, threads or cobwebs that drift across your vision. They’re usually caused by normal age-related changes in the gel inside the eye (the vitreous), and they become more common after 50 or if you’re very nearsighted.
When the vitreous pulls away from the retina, it can occasionally cause a tear. Warning signs are a sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain or shadow over part of your vision. These need a dilated eye exam right away.
Seen by Dr. Mai in Bellflower
Most symptom visits are billed to medical insurance, including Medicare and Medi-Cal plans. Call early in the day for the best chance at a same-day visit.
What can cause eye floaters & flashes?
Most causes are very treatable. A proper eye exam tells you which one you’re dealing with.
Vitreous changes
Normal aging of the gel inside the eye, the most common cause.
Posterior vitreous detachment
The gel separates from the retina, often with new floaters and flashes.
Retinal tear or detachment
Less common but urgent; can cause permanent vision loss if untreated.
Diabetic eye disease
Bleeding inside the eye can appear as dark spots or floaters.
High nearsightedness
Very nearsighted eyes have a higher risk of retinal problems.
Inflammation or injury
Eye inflammation or trauma can cause floaters.
When should you see an eye doctor?
Book an eye exam if…
- You’ve had the same few floaters for years and want them checked
- Floaters bother you when reading or on screens
- You’re very nearsighted, over 50, or have diabetes
- You’ve had eye surgery or an eye injury before
Get emergency care if…
- A sudden shower of new floaters
- New flashes of light
- A curtain, veil or shadow over part of your vision
- Sudden vision loss
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If we’re open and it isn’t life-threatening, call us right away at (562) 867-4716.
How we find the cause and treat it
Your visit is with Dr. Loi Thanh Mai. Our team speaks English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Call us right away
Sudden symptoms get priority. Call as early as possible.
Dilated exam
Drops widen the pupil so we can examine the entire retina.
Retinal imaging
Photos help us document and compare over time.
Referral if needed
If we find a tear, we refer you urgently to a retina specialist.
Simple steps that may help
These tips can ease mild symptoms, but they don’t replace an eye exam, especially if symptoms are new, getting worse, or affect your vision.
- Note when floaters started and whether they’re new
- Notice whether flashes happen in a dark room or when moving your eyes
- Avoid heavy lifting or contact sports until checked if symptoms are new
- Bring sunglasses and a driver; dilation is usually needed
Eye Floaters & Flashes: common questions
Have a question about your symptoms? Call (562) 867-4716.
Are eye floaters normal?
A few long-standing floaters are common and usually harmless. New or sudden floaters, especially with flashes, should be checked right away.
Do floaters go away?
Many become less noticeable over weeks to months as the brain learns to ignore them, though they may not disappear completely.
What do flashes of light mean?
Flashes happen when the vitreous tugs on the retina. New flashes can be a sign of a retinal tear and need a same-day exam.
Do I need to be dilated?
Yes. A dilated exam is the best way to check the edges of the retina where tears usually happen.