FLASHERS
AND FLOATERS
Floaters
"Floaters" are floating dark spots in your vision. They
occur because the eye is a globe filled with a clear, gel-like fluid
called vitreous. As we age, the vitreous dehydrates and gets smaller.
When this happens, the hyaline and collagen that make up the vitreous
clump together. When light shines into the eye, these clumps make
shadows on the retina, which our brain perceives as floaters. Sometimes
they look like a fly, a hair or even a thread. They can best be
seen when looking at a white background, especially in bright lighting.
As the eye continues to age, the vitreous liquefies, and the floater
sinks out of sight. It is common for patients to see floaters for
a few years, and then no longer notice them.
The appearance of floaters in your vision is typically a common,
harmless event—and one that is more likely to occur as you
get older. But a notable increase in the number or frequency of
floaters—or flashes of light—can be a warning sign of
retinal detachment, a serious, sight-threatening disorder. Additionally,
a “veil” or “curtain” that obstructs any part
of, or all of the vision in one eye demands immediate attention.
Removing
these clumps is considered too risky because vitreous is attached
to the retina and floaters are usually left alone.
If you are over 40 years of age, nearsighted, or have a family
history of retinal detachment, you may be at an increased risk
for retinal detachment, so it's important to be aware of the disorder's
early symptoms.
Should any of the above symptoms occur, seek an eye care professional's
advice immediately.
Flashers
Flashers are the result of four possible events: traction on the
retina, vitreous detachment, migraines or retinal detachment.
When flashers of light or floaters become present, and eye exam
is necessary to determine the cause.
Traction on the retina can be caused by posterior vitreous detachment
(PVD). This usually happens to everyone at some point in his or
her life, and is most common in the elderly. The vitreous dehydrates,
becomes smaller and can separate from the retina. This can create
the perception of flashers and floaters. PVD is most common after
cataract surgery in nearsighted eyes, and after a posterior capsulotomy.
It can often occur spontaneously.
Sometimes flashers and floaters are the result of a retinal detachment.
This is considered an emergency. Retinal detachments can be treated
most effectively within 24 hours. This is the duration where the
detached retina can live without being attached.
Sometimes flashes of light, or visual distortion can be the result
of a migraine. In the classic form of migraine, visual disturbances
often precede the headache. If you experience flashers or floaters,
it is important that you contact your eye doctor immediately.
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