Floaters and Flashes
Have you ever noticed tiny specks floating across your vision or see sudden flashes of light? If so, you might be experiencing what’s known as floaters and flashes.
What Are Floaters?
Floaters are small, dark shapes that appear to drift across your field of vision. They can take various forms, such as dots, lines, clouds, or cobwebs.
You might notice them most when looking at a plain, bright background like the sky, a piece of paper, or a white wall. Floaters occur when tiny clumps form in the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye.
These clumps cast shadows on your retina, which you perceive as floaters. As you age, the vitreous can become more liquid.
This can make these clumps become more noticeable because they are able to move more freely. Most people experience floaters at some point in their lives, and they’re usually nothing to worry about.
However, a sudden increase in the number or size of floaters could indicate a more serious issue. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor right away.
What Are Flashes?
Flashes appear as brief, bright bursts of light in your vision. They can look like lightning streaks, camera flashes, or shooting stars.
Unlike floaters, which you can often track with your eyes, flashes typically appear and disappear quickly. Flashes occur when the vitreous gel inside your eye rubs or pulls on the retina.
Like floaters, flashes may indicate a serious issue in the eye, so it’s essential to be evaluated if you notice this symptom.
Are Flashes and Floaters Dangerous?
In most cases, flashes and floaters are harmless and don’t require treatment. Many people learn to live with them as the brain adjusts to ignore them over time.
However, there are situations where these symptoms can indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate attention. One of the most concerning issues is a retinal detachment.
This occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. If left untreated, a retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.
Signs of a possible retinal detachment include:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters
- Sudden flashes of light
- A shadow or curtain-like effect across your field of vision
- A sudden decrease in vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they occur suddenly, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms are often seen as potential vision emergencies.
Other conditions can cause flashes and floaters, such as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which occurs when the vitreous gel that fills the eye begins to shrink and pull away from the retina. This is a natural part of aging and usually doesn’t threaten vision, but it can cause a sudden increase in floaters and flashes as the vitreous tugs on the retina during the separation process.
Other less common causes of flashes and floaters include eye inflammation and, rarely, certain eye tumors. Having floaters or occasional flashes doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious problem.
However, an eye care professional should check any new symptoms or sudden changes to rule out potentially sight-threatening conditions.
Treatment For Flashes and Floaters
The treatment approach for flashes and floaters depends on their underlying cause and severity. In many cases, no specific treatment is necessary.
For typical, benign floaters, the brain often learns to ignore them over time. In cases where floaters significantly impact vision or quality of life, there are surgical options available.
However, these are typically reserved for severe cases due to the risks associated with any eye surgery. If flashes and floaters are symptoms of a more serious condition like retinal detachment, quick treatment is crucial.
This might involve surgery to reattach the retina and prevent vision loss.
Are you experiencing flashes or floaters? Schedule an appointment at Wooster Eye Center in Wooster, OH, today!
