Flashes and Floaters
What are 'Flashes'?
Have you ever seen flashes of light, stars, or streaks that are not really there; Everyone from time to time see a few of these flashes . Usually you see them in one eye at a time. Flashes are often caused when the vitreous (the gel filling the inside of your eye) pulls on the retina (a membrane that lines the inside of your eye).
Who gets 'flashes'?
As you age or if you are near-sighted (have fuzzy distance vision), you are more
likely to see flashes. Sometimes, flashes are signs of other eye problems that need
care.
What are 'Floaters'?
Floaters look like dark specks, clouds, threads, or spider webs moving through your vision. Most people see them once in a while. Floaters may be pieces of gel or other material floating inside your eye. They are usually harmless.
Who gets 'floaters'?
The older you get, the more likely you will notice floaters. An eye injury or surgery
can also cause floaters. If floaters appear suddenly or greatly increase in number,
they may be a sign of an eye problem that needs care.
Are 'flashes' and 'floaters' serious?
Most often, seeing a few flashes and floaters is normal. Also, some people may notice them for a while after eye surgery. Most flashes and floaters require no treatment. But sometimes they can be signs of a serious eye problem. To find out, you may need an eye examination.
Who Should Get An Exam?
See your eye doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms :
- You have never seen flashes or floaters before and all of a sudden you see a lot of them.
- You have seen some flashes or floaters before, but you have a sudden increase in the number you see.
- You have seen some flashes or floaters for a long time, but they now look different than they used to.
- Flashes or floaters make it hard to do your normal tasks.
Your Eye Exam
Your eye doctor can check your eyes to be sure the flashes or floaters are not signs of a more serious eye problem. At an exam, your doctor will :
- Ask you questions. Knowing about your health and your family history of eye problems helps your doctor learn if you're likely to have eye problems.
- Test your vision.
- Examine your eyes.
- Your doctor may dilate your pupils and use special instruments to see inside your eyes.
When do flashes need treatment?
Your eye doctor can check your eyes to be sure the flashes or floaters are not signs
of a more serious eye problem. At an exam, your doctor will :
Flashes that appear all of a sudden or greatly increase in number may be a sign
of a problem. The vitreous pulling too hard on the retina may cause these flashes.
This can make the retina tear or detach from the back of the eye. Rapid vision loss
is bound to follow. Your eye doctor can find the cause of flashes and decide if
treatment is needed.
When do floaters need treatment?
A sudden increase in the number of floaters you see may be a sign of a tear in the retina or of some other eye problem. Over time, a tear can cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye. Your eye doctor can find out what is causing the floaters and suggest a treatment plan, if needed.
It's Up to You
The older you get, the more flashes and floaters you may see. They are usually harmless. But if you suddenly notice more of them, it may be a sign of an eye problem that needs care. Get regular eye exams to be sure that your flashes and floaters are normal and to protect and preserve your vision.