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.

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Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
This season, were thankful for the trust our patients place in us to care for their vision. It’s a privilege to help you see the world more clearly and enjoy life’s beautiful moments.  Happy Thanksgiving from Eye Center of Hawaii 🦃🥧✨

This season, we're thankful for the trust our patients place in us to care for their vision. It’s a privilege to help you see the world more clearly and enjoy life’s beautiful moments.

Happy Thanksgiving from Eye Center of Hawaii 🦃🥧✨
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5 days ago

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Grateful for your recent care this Thanksgiving. What a team !

Our team attended the Hawaii Active Seniors Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center last weekend in Honolulu. We loved meeting everyone who stopped by our booth and sharing our frames and discussing your eye health! 🌺 Hawaii Active Seniors Expo

Our team attended the Hawaii Active Seniors Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center last weekend in Honolulu. We loved meeting everyone who stopped by our booth and sharing our frames and discussing your eye health! 🌺 Hawaii Active Seniors Expo ... See MoreSee Less

7 days ago
This season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of our patients. Huge mahalo for trusting us with your vision care and allowing us to be part of your journey to better sight. Every visit, every story, and every smile inspires us to keep providing the highest level of care.

This season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of our patients. Huge mahalo for trusting us with your vision care and allowing us to be part of your journey to better sight. Every visit, every story, and every smile inspires us to keep providing the highest level of care. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

Our next frame line: Lele: Inspired by the Hawaiian word for "to fly" or "to soar," these frames symbolize freedom and clarity. Rooted in the rich tradition of Hawaiian paddling, LELE embodies the spirit of the koaʻe bird, known for its impressive flight along the coastal cliffs. Our designer, a Hawaii-born paddler, crafted this line inspired by the 'olelo no'eau, “He koa’e manu o ka pali kahako” —a tribute to those who soar above the rest. Each frame in the LELE collection is designed to reflect the grace and agility of the koaʻe, symbolizing an outstanding person's journey. #LeleFrames #HawaiianInspiration #EyewearDesign #HawaiianCulture #OceanSpirit ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
While cataracts are a natural part of aging for many people, you can take steps to delay their development and keep your eyes healthy! Here are a few ways to protect your vision:  🌞 Wear Sunglasses – UV protection helps prevent lens damage.
🥦 Eat a Healthy Diet – Nutrients like Vitamin C and antioxidants can support eye health.
🚬 Avoid Smoking – Smoking increases your risk of cataracts.
👓 Regular Eye Exams – Early detection is key to managing eye health as you age.  However, if your vision is fading or has become cloudy, we can help. Call us to schedule an exam today.

While cataracts are a natural part of aging for many people, you can take steps to delay their development and keep your eyes healthy! Here are a few ways to protect your vision:

🌞 Wear Sunglasses – UV protection helps prevent lens damage.
🥦 Eat a Healthy Diet – Nutrients like Vitamin C and antioxidants can support eye health.
🚬 Avoid Smoking – Smoking increases your risk of cataracts.
👓 Regular Eye Exams – Early detection is key to managing eye health as you age.

However, if your vision is fading or has become cloudy, we can help. Call us to schedule an exam today.
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
If youve met your Medicare or medical insurance deductible for the year and youve been told you have cataracts, nows a great time for cataract surgery. Dont wait any longer to see clearly!

If you've met your Medicare or medical insurance deductible for the year and you've been told you have cataracts, now's a great time for cataract surgery. Don't wait any longer to see clearly! ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago
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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