Floaters and Flashes
Floaters are small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision,
usually in bright light situations, such as reading or when you look
at a blank wall or a clear blue sky. Most people have some floaters
normally but do not notice them until they become numerous or more
prominent.
In most cases, floaters are part of the natural aging process.
Floaters look like cobwebs, threads, squiggly lines or floating
bugs, and appear to be in front of the eye, but are actually
floating inside. As we get older, the vitreous humor, which is the
clear gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye, tends to
shrink slightly and separate from the inner wall of the eye, forming
clumps within the eye. The floaters you see are the shadows that
these clumps cast on the retina, the light-sensitive nerve layer
lining the inner wall of the eye
(See Photo).
Flashes look like twinkles or lightning streaks. You may have
experienced the same sensation if you have ever been hit in the eye
and seen stars. The appearance of flashing lights is due to traction
of the vitreous gel on the retina at the time of vitreous
separation.
Floaters can get in the way of clear vision, often when reading. Try
looking up and then down to move the floaters out of the way. While
some floaters may remain, many of them will fade over time.
Floaters and flashes are sometimes associated with retinal tears.
When the vitreous shrinks it can pull on the retina and cause a
tear. A torn retina is a serious problem. It can lead to a retinal
detachment, which requires immediate treatment to prevent blindness.
If new floaters appear suddenly or you see sudden flashes of light,
see your eye doctor immediately.
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