Skip to content
Miami Eye Institute — Surgery and Diseases of the Eye
Call: 954-251-1802

Floaters and Flashes Evaluation

Expert evaluation of new floaters and light flashes — separating harmless changes from urgent retinal warnings.

schedule appointment

TRUSTED CREDENTIALS

  • Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
  • Urgent Retinal Evaluations
  • Advanced Imaging
  • Clear, Honest Guidance
Patient resting her chin on an automated eye-testing instrument

A careful approach to new visual symptoms.

Miami Eye Institute, under Dr. Inna Ozerov, provides expert evaluation of floaters and flashes — visual symptoms that range from completely benign to a sign of urgent retinal problems.

Floaters are tiny specks, threads, or cobwebs that drift through your vision, especially against a bright background. Flashes appear as brief streaks or arcs of light, often in your peripheral vision. Most are caused by harmless age-related changes in the vitreous gel inside the eye, but a sudden increase can signal a retinal tear or detachment.

Knowing the difference matters. Our team uses dilated retinal exams and advanced imaging to identify the exact cause and determine whether monitoring, reassurance, or urgent treatment is needed. Miami Eye Institute proudly serves patients in Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Davie, Miramar, Cooper City, Weston, Plantation, and surrounding South Florida communities.

Of adults experience noticeable floaters by age 60.
50%
Ideal window for evaluating new flashes or sudden floaters.
24–72 hrs
Of new floaters are due to benign vitreous changes.
~85%
Urgent evaluations available for sudden symptoms.
Same Day

OUR APPROACH

How we evaluate floaters and flashes.

Our process is built around safety and clarity — ruling out serious causes first, then explaining what’s really happening with your vision.

Dr. Inna Ozerov examining a patient at a slit lamp

  1. Detailed Symptom Review

    We discuss when symptoms began, how they’ve changed, and any associated vision loss, shadows, or curtains.

  2. Dilated Retinal Exam

    A full dilated exam allows direct visualization of the vitreous, retina, and peripheral retina to detect tears, hemorrhages, or detachment.

  3. Advanced Imaging

    Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and other imaging tools confirm whether the retina and macula are healthy.

  4. Clear Treatment Plan

    Most benign cases need only education and follow-up. When a retinal tear or detachment is found, we coordinate immediate laser or surgical treatment.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Inna Ozerov

Dr. Inna Ozerov is a board-certified ophthalmologist serving patients across Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, and surrounding communities including Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Davie, and Miramar. She specializes in evaluating floaters, flashes, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, and other vision-changing symptoms, providing personalized, evidence-based care for every patient.

Contact Inna Ozerov
Get directions to 7700 Davie Road Ext

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT

Don’t ignore new flashes or floaters.

If you suddenly see new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision, have your eyes checked within 24 to 72 hours. Most new floaters are harmless, but a dilated exam is the only way to rule out a retinal tear.

  • Urgent same-day evaluation when needed
  • A clear diagnosis backed by dilated exam and imaging
  • Honest guidance on whether monitoring or treatment is required

Schedule a Consultation

For more information or to schedule an appointment, fill out this form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common questions about floaters and flashes.

Floaters and flashes are common and usually harmless, but some need urgent attention. These answers explain how to tell the difference.

What are floaters?
Floaters are tiny specks, threads, dots, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision. They are actually small clumps in the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye, casting shadows on the retina.
What causes flashes of light?
Flashes are typically caused by the vitreous gel tugging on the retina. They commonly occur during age-related vitreous changes called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), but they can also be a warning sign of a retinal tear or detachment.
Are floaters dangerous?
Most floaters are harmless and become a normal part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters — especially combined with flashes, a shadow, or vision loss — can indicate a retinal tear or detachment that requires immediate care.
When are floaters and flashes an emergency?
Seek urgent evaluation if you experience a sudden shower of new floaters, repeated bright flashes, a dark curtain or shadow over part of your vision, or sudden blurred vision. These symptoms can indicate a vision-threatening retinal problem.
Can floaters be treated?
Most benign floaters fade or become less noticeable over time and do not require treatment. In rare cases where they significantly impair vision, options such as laser vitreolysis or vitrectomy may be considered, but these are reserved for select patients after thorough evaluation.
Will floaters go away on their own?
Many people find that their brain adapts to floaters within weeks to months, making them less noticeable. The floaters themselves may also settle below the central line of sight.
When should I see a doctor?
See an ophthalmologist promptly if you notice any sudden change in floaters, new flashes of light, or any reduction in vision. Patients across Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding communities can call Dr. Ozerov’s office for prompt evaluation.

Still have questions?

Dr. Inna Ozerov will personally evaluate your eyes and help you understand the best path forward for managing floaters, flashes, and sudden visual changes. Serving patients throughout Hollywood, Florida, Miami, Florida, and surrounding South Florida communities.

Contact Inna Ozerov