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- Shyalle Kahawita, Sumu Simon, and Jolly Gilhotra.
- MBBS, Ophthalmology Resident Ophthalmology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA.
- Aust Fam Physician. 2014 Apr 1; 43 (4): 201-3.
BackgroundFlashes 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.ObjectiveThis article provides a guide to the assessment and management of a patient presenting with flashes and floaters.DiscussionAlthough 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.
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