Floaters and Light Flashes

Floaters and light flashes are common visual disturbances that many people experience. Floaters are small shapes that drift across your field of vision, often appearing as spots, strands, or cobweb-like figures. They occur when tiny fibers inside the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye, clump together and cast shadows on the retina. Light flashes, on the other hand, are brief streaks or bursts of light that can occur when the vitreous gel pulls or rubs on the retina.

While these phenomena are usually harmless and a normal part of aging, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes can signal a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment, and should be evaluated by an eye care professional.

What are Eye Floaters?

Floaters are what people typically call the little specks that appear in their field of vision. They may appear to be little cobwebs or have the shape of microscopic bacteria or some other distinctive shape. They also may sometimes appear to make the vision a little cloudy, especially with a quick turn of the head or after looking away from concentrating on a computer screen or writing tablet after a period of time. This sensation is also more prevalent when looking at a plain horizon, such as a white wall or clear skyline.

At birth, the eye area is filled with a gelatinous substance known as the vitreous, and it gradually loses elasticity with age. This process causes the vitreous to break away from its casing and create little clumps or strands that literally float around the inside of the eyes. These bits of protein moving around create the floaters that people see more commonly as they get older, and more of the vitreous breaks away. Generally, eye floaters are not cause for concern, but a sudden worsening or increase in the number of floaters could be a symptom of a deeper issue.

What are Eye Flashes?

Flashes are often more noticeable and are caused when the vitreous pulls or strains the retina. They create a sudden and fast-moving streak of light, similar to a flash of lightning or flashing lights. Most people do experience some cases of seeing floaters and flashes, and this generally increases after age 45 for men and women. Although the flashes are certainly off-putting, they are not harmful when experienced infrequently and alone. However, a sudden increase in the frequency or severity of eye flashes could be cause for concern. This could be a symptom of another medical condition, such as the onset of a migraine or a telltale sign of high blood pressure. As for eye health, flashes could be an indication of a retinal tear or detachment. This may have been triggered by a head injury or excessive strain and should be monitored right away.

Treatment Options for Floaters and Eye Flashes

When it comes to eye floaters, the most common treatment is just observation. Even though they may be bothersome, they are usually harmless. For individuals with many floaters that are affecting their vision, a surgery called a vitrectomy may be an option.

Treatment for eye flashes will ultimately depend on the underlying cause. Your eye care provider will examine your eyes to determine the best plan of action moving forward.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you are experiencing floaters or eye flashes, please contact us for a consultation. Campus Eye Group in Hamilton, NJ, strives to help our patients feel comfortable and knowledgeable about eye care.

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