Flashes and floaters are common eye issues, and understanding what they mean is important. Many people have these experiences, and most of the time they aren't serious. However, they can be indications of a problem with your eye health, so it's important to have an ophthalmology exam.

Slingsby & Huot Eye Care Associates can help, with outreach clinics in Rapid City, Pierre, Belle Fourche, and Spearfish, SD, as well as Chadron, NE, so you can get the exams and treatment you need.

What Causes Floaters and Flashes?

A flash or floater can come from rubbing your eyes, eye strain or tired eyes, and other benign conditions. Sometimes, though, these experiences are caused by problems with the health of your eyes, such as the development of glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy, among other conditions.

Since you won't know the cause of flashes and floaters when they start happening, the best thing you can do is make an ophthalmology appointment to find out where the floaters are coming from, or why you're suddenly seeing flashes. By working with eyecare professionals, you can get a diagnosis and have your questions answered.

Do You Need an Eye Surgeon?

Depending on what's causing your flashes and floaters, you may need to work with an eye surgeon for treatment such as scleral buckle surgery. Or if you have cataracts, for example, an eye surgeon can remove the damaged lenses in your eyes and replace them, so you can see clearly again. Not all instances of floaters or flashes require surgery, though. It depends on the cause.

Is Cataract Surgery Right for You?

Cataract surgery isn't right for everyone. Even if your eye exam shows that you're developing cataracts, these can be very slow-growing. Most eye surgeons don't want to perform cataract surgery until the cataracts have developed enough to make a significant difference in your vision. Getting the timing right is part of the process of cataract treatment, and something you can talk over with your ophthalmologist.

Start with an Ophthalmology Exam Today

If you're seeing flashes and floaters and in need of an eye exam to find the cause of the problem, or if you need scleral buckle surgery or another type of eye surgery, contact Slingsby & Huot Eye Care Associates at 605-719-9499 today.

We have outreach clinics in Rapid City, Pierre, Belle Fourche, and Spearfish, SD, as well as Chadron, NE, to help you get the information and support you're looking for. Once we know what's causing your eye condition, we can work with you on any needed treatment.