The information contained herein is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and care from qualified doctors of optometry. The reader should regularly consult a doctor in matters relating to his or her health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. 

• What is 20/20 vision?
  
• Is 25/25 vision better than 20/20?
  
• Why do some people have less than 20/20?
  
• If my vision is less than optimum, what can I do?
  
• When should children have their vision checked?
  
• What is astigmatism?
  
• What is nearsightedness?
  
• What is farsightedness?
  
• What is presbyopia?
  
• What are spots, floaters, and flashes?
  
• What is color blindness?
  
• What is double vision?
  
• What is glaucoma?
  
• What is a cataract?
  
• What is keratoconus (conical cornea)?
  
• What is dry eye?
  
• What is conjunctivitis?
  
• What is a stye?
  
• Are contacts for you?
  
• What are the advantages of wearing contact lenses?
  
• What are the disadvantages of wearing contact lenses?
  
• How do contact lenses correct vision?
  
• Why replace contact lenses frequently?
  
• When can you begin wearing contact lenses?
  
• Colored contacts
  
• Can I store contact lenses in tap water?
  
• Can I lose a lens behind my eye?
  
• How can I tell if I have the lens in the wrong eye?
  
• How can I tell if a soft lens is inside out?
  
• My lens has a very small chip or tear in the edge but it doesn't bother me. Should I replace it anyway?
  
• How do I know when to dispose of disposable lenses? They seem to be OK longer than I expected.
  
• My eyes get dry. What kind of eye drops can I use?
  
• There are so many solutions out there, how do I know which is best?

What are spots, floaters, and flashes?

The spots, floaters, and flashes we sometimes see in our line of vision are part of a natural process. While they may be bothersome at times, in most cases these shadows and light shows are not harmful. However, if there is a sudden increase in the number of spots and floaters, if light flashes continue or vision dims for too long, immediate medical attention is needed.