Sometimes people see small spots or specks moving
in their field of vision or experience flashes of light. These occurrences are
called Floaters and Flashes. Although annoying, Floaters and Flashes are generally
of little importance. However, in some cases, floaters and flashes may be the
symptoms of a more serious eye problem, such as retinal detachment.
What is a Floater?
A Floater is a small clump of gel that forms in the
vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid which fills the cavity inside the eye.
Floaters may be seen as dots, lines, cobwebs or spiders and are most often
noticed when reading, looking at a blank wall or gazing at a clear sky.
Although Floaters appear to be in front of the eye,
they are actually floating in the fluid inside the eye. Sometimes, Floaters do
not interfere with vision at all. However, when a floater enters the line of
vision, light is blocked and a shadow is cast on the retina. (The retina is the
thin lining at the back of the eye that converts images to electrical impulses
which are then sent by the optic nerve to the brain.)
What causes Floaters?
The appearance of Floaters may cause much concern,
especially if they develop suddenly. However, floaters are usually a result of
the aging process. As we mature, the vitreous gel shrinks and pulls away from
the retina. Floaters are formed from the reorganization of the vitreous
material and from some fragments of the retina which have been pulled into the
vitreous cavity.
Floaters are especially common in nearsighted
people, in people who have suffered eye injuries, and after eye surgery.
Although uncommon, Floaters can also result from inflammation within the eye or
from crystal-like deposits which form in the vitreous gel.
Are Floaters ever serious?
Sometimes, the retina may be torn as the vitreous
shrinks and pulls away from the retina. A tear through a small blood vessel in
the retina may cause bleeding. Clotted blood and vitreous material may appear
as a new set of floaters. Retina tears require immediate medical attention to
prevent retinal detachment. If the retina detaches from the back of the eye,
partial or total loss of vision may occur.
How are Floaters treated?
Although annoying, Floaters are usually not vision
threatening and do not require treatment. Often Floaters diminish and become
less bothersome with time. If a floater appears directly in the line of vision,
moving the eye around will often help. Looking up and down or back and forth
will cause the vitreous fluid to swirl around and often allow the floater to
move out of the way. However, with a complete eye examination, it can be
determined if the floaters are harmless or the beginning of a more serious
problem.
In cases where floaters do indicate a more serious
condition, lasers can be used to prevent vision loss. Retinal tears can be
sealed with an Argon laser. This painless treatment can usually be performed as
an office procedure and prevents more serious conditions, such as retinal
detachment.
What are flashes?
Flashes appear as flashing lights or lightning
streaks in the field of vision, although no light is actually flashing. Flashes
are similar to the sensation of “seeing stars” when one is hit on the head.
Flashes are most often noticed at night or in a dark room.
What causes Flashes?
Flashes are caused by the vitreous gel tugging on
the retina. If the gel actually separates from the retina (posterior vitreous
detachment), flashes of light may appear periodically for several weeks. As
with floaters, flashes are usually a result of the aging process and do not
indicate a serious vision problem. However, flashes which appear along with a
large number of new floaters or with a loss of part of the field of vision may
indicate retinal detachment, requiring an immediate eye exam.
Flashes and Migraines
Flashes can also occur in association with migraine
headaches. A migraine is caused by a spasm of blood vessels in the visual
information center of the brain. Migraine related flashes distort central vision
for ten to twenty minutes and appear as jagged lines or “heat waves” in both
eyes.
How are Flashes treated ?
Unless they represent the symptoms of a more
serious condition, flashes do not require treatment. Flashes which are a result
of the vitreous pulling away from the retina will eventually stop. However,
flashes may indicate retinal detachment, which needs immediate medical
treatment. Migraines, which are often accompanied by flashes, can be treated
with medical therapy if they occur frequently and are debilitating.
Prevention is the best medicine
Although Floaters and Flashes are usually not
considered serious vision problems, one should have a complete eye examination
to determine their importance. In most cases, treatment is not necessary. However,
early detection and treatment of serious problems, such as retinal tears, can
prevent permanent vision loss.
If you are experiencing floaters, flashes or other
vision problems, you should obtain a complete eye examination.
If your eye examination is normal then best thing
is to ignore it.
Please contact for Free Eye Check Up on every
Thursday.
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Source : www.eyecarehospital.org
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