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Floaters and Flashes

Floaters

Floaters are a very common complaint. They appear in ones vision as little spots, lines, cobwebs, or specks in ones field of vision. They are most easily seen against a clear blue sky, a white sheet of paper, or a plain lighted background. Even though we sense something floating in front of us, what we are really seeing is a shadow of solid material in our vitreous. They are so common that they are really a variation of normal vision in most cases.

Floaters are usually part of the normal anatomy of the inner eye called the virtreous, a clear jelly like fluid in the center of the eye. The vitreous is 98% “water” and 2% semi-solid like material. Since the vitreous is so fluid, it can shift and move around as our eyes move when looking around. When the solid-like material “floats” in front of our visual axis, under certain conditions, we can perceive them as floaters.

Even though floaters can be seen at any age, they become more noticeable as we age. This is because the vitreous gel thickens and or shrinks as we age and the solid material in the vitreous becomes more compact.

Sometimes the entire vitreous body, which is normally loosely attached to the retina, can suddenly pull off as the vitreous shrinks. This is often associated with a sudden increase in floaters that are quite noticeable and often annoying as well as flashes of light. This condition is known as a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). By the age of 60, approximately 60% of us have had a PVD. This is typically not a serious condition and the symptoms typically subside in a few weeks. If one experiences these symptoms, it is very important to see an ophthalmologist to rule out a much more serious condition known as a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency and can have the identical symptoms as a PVD.

Even though there is surgery that can remove the vitreous, it is generally too risky for the treatment (not condition) of floaters.

Flashes

Flashes occur when the vitreous gel pulls or creates traction on the retina. They can also occur if the vitreous gel pulls suddenly off the retina as in a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Occasionally, migraine headaches can be associated with flashing or shimmering lights. The most serious cause of flashes however is a retinal detachment.

Anyone that experiences flashes, especially a sudden burst of flashes accompanied by floaters and/or a veil over the vision, should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency that generally needs to be treated usually within the first 24 to 48 hours.

Fortunately, most of the time, flashes are harmless. Usually, at the most, flashes, like floaters, are rather annoying or disconcerting. Again, it must be stressed that anyone who experiences flashes should be checked out by an ophthalmologist.