FLOATERS AND FLASHES

The small specks that many people 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 clumps of gel 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 light-sensing inner layer of the eye).

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 from the retina and causes floaters. This is especially common in nearsighted people or after a cataract operation. Most people over the age of 40 will occasionally notice floaters, especially in bright light situations such as on the beach, in the snow, on a sunny day, or when standing in front of a white wall.

Are Floaters Ever Serious?

As the vitreous gel pulls away, the retina may be torn, sometimes causing a small amount of bleeding in the eye which may appear as a group of new floaters. If this tear becomes a retinal detachment it can be serious. Uncommonly, floaters result from inflammation within the eye or from crystal-like deposits which form in the vitreous gel.

Without examination by an eye doctor, there is no way for a person to determine whether floaters are serious. Any sudden onset of many new floaters or flashes of light should be evaluated by your eye doctor on an emergency basis.

What Can Be Done About Floaters?

Floaters may sometimes interfere with clear vision, often when reading, and can be quite annoying. Dimming the lights or wearing sunglasses may cause floaters to become less pronounced. Most people get accustomed to their floaters after some time and are no longer bothered by them.

What Causes Flashing Lights?

The vitreous gel which fills the inside of the eye sometimes pulls or tugs on the retina. This pulling causes the appearance of flashing lights or lightning streaks.

When a vitreous separation pulls the gel away from the retina, flashes of light may appear off and on for several weeks. this commonly happens as we grow older and is usually not cause for alarm. On rare occasions, light flashes are associated with a large number of new floaters and even a blacking out of part of the field of vision. When this occurs, immediate examination by your eye doctor is important to determine if a retinal tear or retinal detachment has developed.

Flashes of light, which appear as jagged lines or "heat waves" lasting 10-20 minutes and present in both eyes, are likely to be migraine caused by a spasm of blood vessels in the brain. If a headache follows, it is called a migraine headache. However, these jagged lines or "heat waves" can occur without a subsequent headache. In this case, the light flashes are referred to as ophthalmic migraine, or migraine without headache. If you experience an ocular migraine with or without a headache you should consult your internist or a neurologist.

Should Your Eyes Be Examined If You Have Floaters Or Flashes Of Light?

Floaters or flashes of light may indicate a retinal tear or detachment which is a serious problem. For this reason you should see your eye doctor when first experiencing these symptoms and every time these symptoms increase or change substantially. Other warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment which should prompt an immediate visit to your eye doctor include a curtain of darkness (blockage or blurring of a portion of your visual field) and persistent blurriness of vision.

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