Floaters and Flashes

The small specks that people may see moving in their field of vision are called floaters. They are frequently visible when looking at a plain background, such as a blank wall or blue sky.
Floaters are small chumps or strands of tissue that form in the vitreous, (the clear jelly—like fluid that fills the inside cavity of the eye). Although they appear to be in front of the eye, they are actually floating in the fluid inside the eye and are seen as shadows by the retina.

The appearance of floaters, whether in the form of little dots, circles, lines or cobwebs, may cause much concern, especially if they develop suddenly, however, they are usually of little importance representing an aging process. The vitreous gel shrinks with time, pulls away frown the retina and causes floaters. This is especially common in nearsighted people or after a cataract operation.

The cause of flashing lights is the pulling or tugging of the vitreous gel on the retina. This pulling causes the appearance of flashing lights or lightening streaks though there is actually no flashing light present. This same sensation sometimes occurs when one is hit in the eye and sees "stars". When a vitreous separation pulls the gel away from the retina, flashes of light may occur off and on for several weeks. This commonly happens as we grow older and is usually not a cause for alarm. On rare occasions, light flashes are associated with a large number of new floaters and even a blanking out of part of the field of vision. When this occurs an immediate eye examination should be done even if this requires that you go to an emergency room. This is important to determine if you have developed a retinal tear or detachment.

Occasionally floaters or flashes result from inflammation within the eye and are a warning sign of ocular disease. An examination is recommended to determine whether floaters or flashes are serious. Any sudden onset of numerous new floaters or flashes should be evaluated by your eye care professional.

Flashes of light, which appear as jagged lines of "heat waves" lasting 10-20 minutes, usually in both eyes are likely to be a result of the migraine syndrome caused by a spasm of blood vessels in the brain. This can be the cause whether or not a headache develops. It is usually of not clinical significance and does not need treatment.


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