Flashes and floaters - a practical approach to assessment and management
Kahawita, S.; Simon, S.; Gilhotra, J.
Australian Family Physician 43(4): 201-203
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8495 PMID: 24701623 Document Number: 677103
Flashes and floaters are common ophthalmic issues for which patients may initially present to their general practitioner. It may be a sign of benign, age-related changes of the vitreous or more serious retinal detachment. This article provides a guide to the assessment and management of a patient presenting with flashes and floaters. Although most patients presenting with flashes and floaters have benign age-related changes, they must be referred to an ophthalmologist to rule out sight-threatening conditions. Key examination features include the nature of the flashes and floaters, whether one or both eyes are affected and changes in visual acuity or visual field.