Flashes and floaters - a practical approach to assessment and management.
BACKGROUND
Flashes and floaters are common ophthalmic issues for which patients may initially present to their general practitioner. It may be a sign of benign,  age-related changes of the vitreous or more serious retinal detachment.


OBJECTIVE
This article provides a guide to the assessment and management of a patient presenting with flashes and floaters.


CONCLUSIONS
Although most patients presenting with flashes and floaters have benign  age-related changes, they must be referred to an ophthalmologist to rule out sight-threatening conditions. Key examination features include the nature of the flashes and floaters, whether one or both eyes are affected and changes in visual acuity or visual field.
MBBS, Ophthalmology Resident Ophthalmology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA.
Shyalle
S
Kahawita
Sumu
S
Simon
Jolly
J
Gilhotra
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000503:physiopathology