Flashes and Floaters

Diagram of Floaters in the eye

Condition

Small specks of protein and other matter get trapped during the formation of the eye before birth and remain in the eyes, leaving spots. If the vitreous (clear gel-like substance inside the eye) shrinks and pulls on the retina, flashes of light occur making spots noticeable. The pulling movement stimulates the retinal receptor cells to “fire” and causes the perception of light flashes.

Vitreous floaters are sometimes seen as threadlike strands in the patient’s visual field. Typically these lines/spots float or drift as the eye moves

Risk factors

While most people see a few spots on occasion, they can occur more frequently and become more noticeable with age.

Simulation of vision with floaters

Symptoms

Spots and floaters are the specks and threadlike strands that drift across a person’s field of vision. They appear often with flashes of light.

Treatment

Flashes and floaters are not generally a serious condition needing treatment, but they can be symptoms of vitreous or retinal detachment; both of which are serious conditions. In either of these cases, treatment with lasers and/or surgical intervention may be necessary to protect vision.

Are You a Candidate?

Take our self tests to find out!

What our

Patients Say

"The service here is commendable. I feel very comfortable when I’m here, and there’s progress with my vision. Always good results. Nothing needs to be improved here."

Veronica

"Well worth the 3-hr drive I made to get to my first appt. I told Dr. Safi I will follow him anywhere. He’s the best. I trust him; he’s an Army doctor, and they see worse things up at Tripler because of the military exposure. And he’s always in a good mood; helps put you at ease. I recommend you guys to everyone."

Violette

"It’s almost like I was born on the day of the surgery.  This has definitely been life-changing for me. Every day I am evolving, finding out things I couldn’t do before that I can do now."

Tiaturi T.

"My provider is beyond proficient. Not only is my provider professional, knowledgeable, and caring, but actually prays with you before surgical procedures. Nothing like knowing you are in the more than capable hands of two beings."

John B.

"Wonderful office and staff. Very professional, knowledgeable and a sincere demeanor with clients. I would highly recommend their services."

Alice W.
read more

Contact Us

Our Facebook Feed

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Have you met your deductible this year? 👁️ If you’re experiencing blurry vision, glare, or trouble seeing at night, it might be the perfect time to use your benefits for cataract surgery. 📞 Call us today to learn how to maximize your coverage!  #Cataracts #CataractSurgery

Have you met your deductible this year? 👁️ If you’re experiencing blurry vision, glare, or trouble seeing at night, it might be the perfect time to use your benefits for cataract surgery. 📞 Call us today to learn how to maximize your coverage!

#Cataracts #CataractSurgery
... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
A big mahalo to our amazing patients for sharing their experiences! 🌺 Your kind words mean so much. We’re grateful for your trust and support!  #TestimonialTuesday #EyeCenterofHawaii #Hilo

A big mahalo to our amazing patients for sharing their experiences! 🌺 Your kind words mean so much. We’re grateful for your trust and support!

#TestimonialTuesday #EyeCenterofHawaii #Hilo
... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago
Today is World Sight Day, a reminder of just how important vision is in our daily lives. 👁️  Millions of people experience vision problems that could be detected early or treated with today’s medical advancements. Regular eye exams and preventive care are the best ways to maintain healthy vision and catch issues before they become serious.  Prioritize your vision! Stay on top of regular eye exams and keep your eyes healthy.  #WorldSightDay

Today is World Sight Day, a reminder of just how important vision is in our daily lives. 👁️

Millions of people experience vision problems that could be detected early or treated with today’s medical advancements. Regular eye exams and preventive care are the best ways to maintain healthy vision and catch issues before they become serious.

Prioritize your vision! Stay on top of regular eye exams and keep your eyes healthy.

#WorldSightDay
... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
One of the reasons LASIK is a popular procedure is because of its quick results and short recovery time. Most patients are back to their regular activities the very next day! There are some additional restrictions we will review during your consultation! Ready to see how LASIK can change your life? Schedule your FREE consultation with us today!

One of the reasons LASIK is a popular procedure is because of it's quick results and short recovery time. Most patients are back to their regular activities the very next day! There are some additional restrictions we will review during your consultation! Ready to see how LASIK can change your life? Schedule your FREE consultation with us today! ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
Cataract myth busted! When your cataract has impeded your vision and your lifestyle, the only path  for clarity is surgery. We have the most advanced laser cataract surgery for your best results and even better recovery. Call us to schedule your exam today.Image attachmentImage attachment

Cataract myth busted! When your cataract has impeded your vision and your lifestyle, the only path for clarity is surgery. We have the most advanced laser cataract surgery for your best results and even better recovery. Call us to schedule your exam today. ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
👁️✨ Cataracts often develop slowly, and the symptoms can be easy to overlook. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, it may be time for a cataract evaluation. Early detection makes all the difference! 💙 #CataractAwareness #ClearVision

👁️✨ Cataracts often develop slowly, and the symptoms can be easy to overlook. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, it may be time for a cataract evaluation. Early detection makes all the difference! 💙 #CataractAwareness #ClearVision ... See MoreSee Less

4 weeks ago
Load more

Locations

OAHU LOCATIONS

Main Office Yacht Harbor Professional Center
1620 Ala Moana Boulevard
Suite 500
Honolulu, HI 96815
Tel: (808) 955-0255

Mary Savio Medical Plaza
98-1247 Kaahumanu Street Suite 310
Aiea, HI 96701
Tel: (808) 955-0255 

Pro Com Plaza
94-216 Farrington Highway
Suite B2-203
Waipahu, HI 96797
Tel: (808) 671-4778

HAWAII LOCATIONS

77-6399 Nalani Street 2nd Floor
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Tel: (808) 329-2010 

346 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
Tel: (808) 935-4456

MAUI LOCATION

Kahului Building
23 Paa Street
Kahului, HI 96732
Tel: (808) 877-8955

KAUAI LOCATION

‍4418 Kukui Grove Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Tel: (808) 245-5377