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
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

1 day 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

7 days ago

Introducing our first frame line: Aloha Papaya. Reflecting the vibrant and tropical essence of Hawai'i, this line brings a touch of island life to everyday eyewear. Aloha Papaya eyewear also pays tribute to Hawaii’s rich plantation history, drawing inspiration from the resilient spirit and vibrant culture of Hawaii’s plantation days. Each piece in this line tells a story of joy and perseverance. #AlohaPapaya #HawaiiEyewear #TropicalStyle #IslandLife #EyewearFashion #HawaiiStyle ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
This Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served our country. At Eye Center of Hawaii, we are honored to care for the eyes that have seen and protected so much. Your commitment and sacrifice inspire us every day.

This Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served our country. At Eye Center of Hawaii, we are honored to care for the eyes that have seen and protected so much. Your commitment and sacrifice inspire us every day. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
Did you know that diabetes can lead to serious eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts? These diseases can develop without symptoms in the early stages, making regular eye exams essential. Early detection is the key to preventing vision loss and managing complications.  👁️ If you or a loved one has diabetes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam today. Protect your vision and see the difference proactive care can make!

Did you know that diabetes can lead to serious eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts? These diseases can develop without symptoms in the early stages, making regular eye exams essential. Early detection is the key to preventing vision loss and managing complications.

👁️ If you or a loved one has diabetes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam today. Protect your vision and see the difference proactive care can make!
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
The decision to have cataract surgery depends on how much your vision is affected by the cataract and how it impacts your daily life. Here are some key points to consider:
Blurred or Cloudy Vision: If youre experiencing significant difficulty seeing clearly, especially when driving, reading, or recognizing faces, it may be time to consult with your eye doctor.  Night Vision Problems: Increased glare, halos around lights, or trouble seeing at night can signal that your cataract is interfering with your safety, particularly while driving. If youve gotten to a point where youve stopped driving at night. Its time for a cataract exam now.  Prescription Changes: If your glasses or contact lenses are no longer improving your vision, it could be a sign that your cataract is progressing.  Lifestyle Impact: When cataracts begin to interfere with your work, hobbies, or daily activities, and youre noticing a decline in your quality of life, surgery may be the best option.  Call us today and schedule your cataract exam. We can help walk you through if its the right time for your cataract surgery.

The decision to have cataract surgery depends on how much your vision is affected by the cataract and how it impacts your daily life. Here are some key points to consider:
Blurred or Cloudy Vision: If you're experiencing significant difficulty seeing clearly, especially when driving, reading, or recognizing faces, it may be time to consult with your eye doctor.

Night Vision Problems: Increased glare, halos around lights, or trouble seeing at night can signal that your cataract is interfering with your safety, particularly while driving. If you've gotten to a point where you've stopped driving at night. It's time for a cataract exam now.

Prescription Changes: If your glasses or contact lenses are no longer improving your vision, it could be a sign that your cataract is progressing.

Lifestyle Impact: When cataracts begin to interfere with your work, hobbies, or daily activities, and you're noticing a decline in your quality of life, surgery may be the best option.

Call us today and schedule your cataract exam. We can help walk you through if it's the right time for your cataract surgery.
... See MoreSee Less

2 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