604-243-1556

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West Point Grey Village
(604) 224-2322

Flashes & Floaters

Flashers & Floaters Are Usually Normal, But a Sudden Increase Could Be a Symptom of a Developing Eye Problem.

What Are Flashers and Floaters?

Have you ever noticed little spots, lines, or squiggles that seem to exist in between what you’re focusing on and where the lens of your eye is? Those are floaters.

Flashers are the result of the retina being physically manipulated, pulled, pushed, etc. This is because an electrical pulse, similar to one generated when light stimulates the retina, is sent to the brain as a result of the physical stimulation.

Many people experience flashers before severe headaches or migraines.

In common terminology, floaters are tiny clumps of material that float about in the fluid inside your eyes, coming between the light entering your pupil and the retina at the back of your eye, and appear as shadows.

Most of the time, floaters are few and far between and a completely natural occurrence within your eyes. However, if a sudden rise of floaters appears in your vision, this can be the sign of anything from an eye infection to a serious condition such a retinal tear or retinal detachment.

Important Information to Know:

When Should You Consider Your Floaters/Flashers Abnormal?

Everyone experiences floaters or flashers every now and then. Most of the time, they are annoying but more or less ignored.

However, if you are experiencing a sudden onset of eye floaters or flashers, it may be indicative of a different conditions:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Diabetes
  • CMV Retinitis
  • A developing eye condition

Visit Our Practice
At West Point Grey Village

West 10th Eyes is a conveniently located eye doctor's clinic on W 10th Avenue in West Point Grey village in Vancouver. Call us at
(604) 224-2322 to make an appointment with our Optometrists to talk about your eyeglasses, contact lenses or specialty lens needs.

Drop in anytime to browse through our large selection of designer eyeglass frames or sunglasses.

West 10th Eyes

4357 W 10th Ave
Vancouver, BC, V6R 2H6

Contact Information

Phone: (604) 224-2322
Email: info@west10theyes.com

Clinic Hours

Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday: Closed