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Floaters and Flashers
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Floaters are small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. You can often see them when looking at a plain background, like a blank wall or blue sky. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. Although they appear to be in front of your eye, what you see are the shadows they cast on the retina in the back of your eye. Floaters can have different shapes: little dots, circles, lines, clouds, or cobwebs.
Causes
When people reach middle age, the vitreous gel may start to thicken or shrink, forming clumps or strands inside the eye. This causes the vitreous to pull on the back wall of the eye, causing posterior vitreous detachment. It is a common cause of floaters. If you notice the appearance of floaters, see Dr. Ranelle right away, especially if you are over the age of 45.
Treatment
If floaters get in the way of clear vision, you can try moving your eyes, looking up and then down to move the floaters out of the way. While some floaters may remain in your vision, many of them will fade over time and become less bothersome. Even if you have had some floaters for years, you should have an eye exam immediately if you notice new ones.
What causes flashing lights?
When the vitreous gel rubs or pulls on the retina, you may see what look like flashing lights or lightning streaks. You may have experienced the same sensation if you have ever been hit in the eye and seen “stars.” As we age, flashers are more common, and you should visit Dr. Ranelle if you experience these to see if the retina has been torn.
Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology
See an illustration of Floaters & Flashers
Your ophthalmologist at Fort Worth Eye Associates can provide you with more information specific to your case. The above information is not intended to replace a personal exam, medical diagnosis, and/or complete treatment description by an ophthalmologist.
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