Caring For Your Eyes For Over 30 Years

copyright 2022

Floaters

Floaters are small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. You can often see them when looking at a plain light bright background, like a blank wall or blue sky. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of cells inside the vitreous, the clear, gel-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye. Floaters are often semi-translucent and may appear as little dots, circles, lines, clouds, cobwebs, veils, or little fruit flies.

 

Flashes

You may see what look like flashing lights or lightning streaks when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina. These are called flashes. You may have experienced this same sensation if you have ever been hit in the eye and seen "stars." The flashes of light can appear off and on for several weeks or months. They are often more obvious in dim light.

 

Who gets flashes and floaters?

Flashes and floaters are much more common in people who

 

• are nearsighted
• have astigmatism
• have undergone cataract surgery
• have had inflammation inside the eye (like uveitis)
• have had an injury to the eye

 

As we grow older, it is very common to experience floaters and flashes as the vitreous gel changes with age, gradually pulling away from the inside surface of the eye.

 

When are flashes and floaters more serious?

Flashes and floaters may be a sign of something far more serious such as a retinal tear of detachment. These conditions need to be dealt with fairly quickly. Call your ophthalmologist right away if you notice the following symptoms:

 

• a sudden increase in size and number of floaters
• a sudden appearance of flashes
• a curtain appear across part of your field of vision
• a sudden decrease in your vision

 

This is especially the case if you are over 45 years of age, have had a recent injury to your eyes or head, or if you have substantial nearsightedness.

 

 

We're under construction. More information to come.