title: Flashes and Floaters.
abstract: Flashes and floaters are common ocular complaints. Flashes refer to aberrations of light that are seen in a patient's field of gaze. The flashes can be of varying sizes, colors, frequency, and durations, depending on the cause. Floaters are another common visual phenomenon caused by particles or debris in the vitreous gel of the eye that cause shadows and thus visual changes, especially against bright backgrounds and in brightly lit environments. Flashes and floaters can occur individually or together. This article discusses common causes of flashes and floaters to help with the triaging and management of these patients.
authors: Wills Eye Hospital, General Ophthalmology Service, 840 Walnut Street, Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors: Priya
authors: P
authors: Sharma
authors: Mid Atlantic Retina, Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, 840 Walnut Street, Suite 1020, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors: Jayanth
authors: J
authors: Sridhar
authors: Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 840 Walnut Street, Suite 1020, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Electronic address: soniamehtamd@gmail.com.
authors: Sonia
authors: S
authors: Mehta
mesh_terms: D015897:Comorbidity; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000150:complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000150:complications; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care; D020255:Vitreous Detachment / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Migraine; Posterior vitreous detachment; Retinal detachment; Retinal tear; Vitreous hemorrhage