Spots, Floaters, and Flashes of Light Ash What are floaters? The jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes is called the vitreous. Floaters are small, semi-transparent particles within the vitreous. They may appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands, or cobwebs. Since these particles are located inside your eyes, they will move as your eyes move, and will seem to dart away when you try to look directly at them. the Murry D. Westberg, O.D. Doctor What causes floaters? During the development of your eyes, small pieces of protein or other matter can become trapped in the vitreous fluid. These particles are seen as floaters throughout your life. Aging can also cause floaters, as the vitreous fluid deteriorates over time. Certain injuries or eye diseases can also occasionally cause floaters. Will floaters harm my eyes? Most floaters are not harmful and rarely limit vision. However, these floaters can be indications of more serious problems such as a retinal detachment. If you see any sudden changes in floaters, experience an increase in floaters, or see flashes or sparks of light, you should see your optometrist for a dilated examination immediately. By looking at your eyes with special instruments, your optometrist can determine if what you are seeing is harmless, or if there is a more serious problem that requires treatment. PARK RAPIDS WALKER EYE CLINIC 100 Huntsinger Ave, Park Rapids 732-3389 107 6th St., Walker 547-3666 Is there any way to get rid of floaters? A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure where the vitreous fluid (containing the floaters) is removed from the eye. This procedure has gotten more common than it was a few years ago. A vitrectomy may be indicated if your floaters are severely affecting your vision and have been stable for several months. If you have floaters that are having a negative effect on your vision, schedule an appointment and talk to us about your options! Murry D. Westberg, O.D. Jen Keller, O.D. R.W. Helm, O.D. 1-877-700-3389 www.prweyeclinic.com Spots, Floaters, and Flashes of Light Ash What are floaters? The jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eyes is called the vitreous. Floaters are small, semi-transparent particles within the vitreous. They may appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands, or cobwebs. Since these particles are located inside your eyes, they will move as your eyes move, and will seem to dart away when you try to look directly at them. the Murry D. Westberg, O.D. Doctor What causes floaters? During the development of your eyes, small pieces of protein or other matter can become trapped in the vitreous fluid. These particles are seen as floaters throughout your life. Aging can also cause floaters, as the vitreous fluid deteriorates over time. Certain injuries or eye diseases can also occasionally cause floaters. Will floaters harm my eyes? Most floaters are not harmful and rarely limit vision. However, these floaters can be indications of more serious problems such as a retinal detachment. If you see any sudden changes in floaters, experience an increase in floaters, or see flashes or sparks of light, you should see your optometrist for a dilated examination immediately. By looking at your eyes with special instruments, your optometrist can determine if what you are seeing is harmless, or if there is a more serious problem that requires treatment. PARK RAPIDS WALKER EYE CLINIC 100 Huntsinger Ave, Park Rapids 732-3389 107 6th St., Walker 547-3666 Is there any way to get rid of floaters? A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure where the vitreous fluid (containing the floaters) is removed from the eye. This procedure has gotten more common than it was a few years ago. A vitrectomy may be indicated if your floaters are severely affecting your vision and have been stable for several months. If you have floaters that are having a negative effect on your vision, schedule an appointment and talk to us about your options! Murry D. Westberg, O.D. Jen Keller, O.D. R.W. Helm, O.D. 1-877-700-3389 www.prweyeclinic.com