Floaters and Flashes of Light: What You Need to Know
Floaters and flashes of light are common visual phenomena that many people experience at some point in their lives. While often harmless, they can sometimes signal a more serious underlying condition that requires optometrist attention.
Understanding these symptoms and knowing when to seek help is key to protecting your eye health.
What Are Floaters?
Floaters appear as small spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision. They are particularly noticeable when looking at a bright, uniform background, such as a blue sky or a white wall.
What Causes Floaters?
Floaters occur when the gel-like substance inside the eye, called the vitreous, becomes more liquid with age. As the vitreous shrinks, tiny fibers within it clump together, casting shadows on the retina and creating the appearance of floaters.
Are Floaters Dangerous?
Most floaters are benign and part of the natural aging process. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light, could indicate a more serious problem, such as:
1. Retinal Detachment: When the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, leading to potential vision loss if not treated promptly.
2. Vitreous Detachment: When the vitreous separates from the retina, often causing temporary floaters and flashes.
3. Retinal Tears: Small tears in the retina that can progress to retinal detachment if untreated.
Flashes of light, also known as photopsia, appear as brief streaks or bursts of light in your vision. These flashes are often compared to seeing “lightning” or “sparks” in the corner of your eye.
What Causes Flashes? Flashes occur when the vitreous tugs on the retina or when the retina experiences sudden stimulation.
Common causes include:
1. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): A natural process where the vitreous separates from the retina, often associated with aging.
2. Migraine Auras: Flashes may also occur as part of a migraine aura, which can happen with or without a headache.
3. Retinal Issues: Flashes can signal retinal holes, tears or detachment, which require immediate medical attention.
When to See an Optometrist:
While occasional floaters and flashes are often harmless, certain symptoms warrant a prompt visit to an optometrist:
A sudden increase in the number of floaters.
Flashes of light that persist or occur frequently.
A shadow or curtain-like effect over part of your vision.
A sudden loss of peripheral or central vision.
Blurred vision or any noticeable changes in vision.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you experience floaters or flashes, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause. This will include a dilated eye exam, to get a clear view of the retina and vitreous, and ocular imaging, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound, to assess the retina and vitreous in detail.
Treatment Options:
Most floaters and flashes don’t require treatment and resolve on their own. But there are some options when treatment is required.
Laser Treatment: In rare cases, lasers can break up floaters if they significantly impair vision.
Surgery: For severe cases, a vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous gel) may be performed.
Emergency Treatment: Retinal tears or detachment require immediate surgery to prevent permanent vision loss.
Preventing Vision Problems
While not all floaters and flashes can be prevented, you can take steps to maintain overall eye health, such as by scheduling regular eye exams, protecting your eyes from injury with safety glasses during risky activities, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions can impact eye health.
Final Thoughts
Floaters and flashes of light are often a normal part of aging but can sometimes indicate serious eye conditions. Being aware of the warning signs and seeking timely medical attention can make all the difference in preserving your vision. If you notice sudden or significant changes in your vision, contact your eye care professional immediately.
At Eyes On Burbank Optometry, our experienced Optometrists will help diagnose, treat, and effectively manage your glaucoma. Call today or book online.