What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters appear as small shapes, spots, or strands that drift across your vision. They are caused by changes in the vitreous鈥攖he gel-like substance in the eye鈥攁s it shrinks and clumps with age. Floaters are common, especially in people over 50, and are typically harmless. However, a sudden increase in floaters can signal a more serious issue.

Why Am I Seeing Flashes of Light?

Flashes of light, or photopsia, occur when the retina is stimulated mechanically or electrically. This can happen when the vitreous tugs on the retina or due to other underlying conditions. Flashes often resemble brief bursts or streaks of light and may appear in your peripheral vision.

Causes of Flashing Lights in Eyes

Common causes of flashing lights include:

1. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): A natural age-related process where the vitreous separates from the retina.
2. Retinal Tear or Detachment: A serious condition where the retina peels away from its supportive layers.
3. Migraines with Aura: Visual disturbances like flashing lights may occur before a headache.
4. Eye Trauma: Injuries can trigger flashes by disturbing the retina.
5. Other Causes: Inflammation, optic nerve disorders, or other retinal conditions.

When to See an Eye Doctor about Eye Floaters & Flashes

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light.
• A shadow or “curtain” across your vision.
• Blurry or distorted vision.
• Persistent flashes in your peripheral vision.

These symptoms could indicate retinal detachment or another emergency that requires prompt treatment to preserve vision.

Flashing Lights vs. Eye Floaters

Though often experienced together, flashing lights and floaters arise from different causes:

• Floaters: Debris in the vitreous casting shadows on the retina.
• Flashing Lights: Mechanical stimulation of the retina, often from traction or other disruptions.

Treatment Options

For Floaters: Most floaters are harmless and require no treatment. In severe cases, procedures like laser vitreolysis or vitrectomy may help.

For Flashes: Treatment depends on the cause. Retinal tears or detachments often require surgery, such as laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy, to prevent further damage.

At SightMD, we offer advanced diagnostics and expert care for eye emergencies like flashes and floaters. If you experience sudden vision changes, don鈥檛 wait鈥攃ontact us for immediate assistance. Protecting your vision is our priority

Sources: Duke Health, UM Kellogg Eye Center, Healthline, Johns Hopkins Medicine銆�8銆戙赌�9銆戙赌�10銆�

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What are eye floaters?

We all have a jelly-like substance inside our eye, called vitreous. As we age, the vitreous becomes more liquid, and the fibers within the vitreous can clump. These clumps cast shadows onto our retina, causing the appearance of floaters. This process is usually part of the natural aging process, it isn鈥檛 much cause for concern. The floaters will often appear, then settle to bottom of the eye. While they won鈥檛 go away completely, they will tend to congregate below the line of site, becoming less of an annoyance. In some cases, new onset floaters are associated with posterior vitreous detachments, which is when that jelly-like substance inside our eye (vitreous) separates, tears, or detaches from the retina. 

When are eye floaters cause for concern?

Since most eye floaters are normal and occur naturally with age, they do not require medical attention. However, if the floaters are combined with the following symptoms or situations, call your vision specialist right away. Addition symptoms and situations to watch out for include:

• A sudden onset of more eye floaters than usual
• Flashes of bright light in conjunction with the floaters
• Sudden loss of of peripheral vision
• A spontaneous occurrence of obstructed, blurry, or hazy vision
• A recent eye injury
• You have diabetes, extreme myopia (nearsightedness), or ocular inflammation
• You recently underwent eye surgery, including laser procedures and cataract surgery

These symptoms, combined with your recent medical history, could be cause for concern for a sight-threatening situation. Contact SightMD today to  with one of our doctors to discuss your Vision & Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery options at one of our convenient locations!

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