Flashes and floaters of the eye are usually the result of age-related changes to the vitreous, which is the thick gel firmly attached to the retina from birth. During the aging process, however, the vitreous becomes thinner and more watery, and at some point pulls away from the retina. This is known as a posterior vitreous separation or detachment (PVD). During PVD, tissue debris that was once secure in the firm vitreous gel loosens and moves around, casting shadows on the retina.
When this occurs, patients experience visual disturbances in the form of flashes of light, or floaters (specks or strands across the field of vision). These symptoms are not typically a reason for undue concern, but should, nonetheless, be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.
Causes Of Flashes And Floaters
Flashes occur as a result of pressure on the retina, the bundle of nerves in the back of the eye where images are detected and transmitted to the brain. Such pressure causes patients to see either flashing lights or lightning streaks. Floaters occur when collagen fibers move across the vitreous and into the field of vision, causing patients to see specks, strands, webs or other shapes as the fibers cast shadows on the retina. Flashes and floaters are most visible when looking at a plain, light background.
Beyond simple aging, floaters or flashes appear most often in eyes that are injured, inflamed or nearsighted, and can be a result of the following:
- Cataract or YAG laser surgery
- Diabetes
- Retinitis
- Nearsighted vision
- Eye infections
- A blow to the head
- Injury to the eye
- Spasm of small blood vessels
The spasm (sudden constriction) of small blood vessels in the brain is also associated with migraine headaches.
Diagnosing Flashes And Floaters
Most people who develop PVD do not suffer further complications. For a small percentage of people, however, PVD is caused by retinal tears. A retinal tear is quite dangerous because it can lead to retinal detachment, which can seriously threaten vision. Sudden onset of symptoms, or momentary blindness in one section of the field of vision, is cause for concern. Patients who experience either should seek immediate medical attention.
Because symptoms may be the same regardless of the cause of the problem, it is important that anyone experiencing unfamiliar disturbances in vision have an examination in which the pupils are dilated; this is the only way in which a retinal tear can be accurately diagnosed. This is one of the reasons that it is crucial for patients to undergo thorough eye examinations on a regular basis.
For patients initially diagnosed as having uncomplicated PVD, a small percentage will go on to have retinal tears within 6 weeks, so it is important that they follow up with their doctors. For patients with underlying causative conditions, such as illness or injury, other treatments may be necessary.
Can Floaters Be Prevented?
Floaters are made up of collagen clumps and are usually a result of age-related changes in the vitreous, as it becomes more liquid. Microscopic fibers within the vitreous tend to clump together and then they cast shadows on the retina in the back of the eye. Floaters.
There’s nothing you can do to prevent these from developing; they are caused by changes in the makeup of the vitreous. A sudden increase in floaters is also not preventable, but it merits an immediate call to us at Southside Eye Care, as this can be a sign of a detached retina.
Can Flashes Be Prevented?
As with floaters, flashes are usually the result of changing consistency of the vitreous gel inside our eyes. When it shrinks it can pull on the retina, and this can cause flashes. Flashes may seem to be from something outside that you are seeing, but they come from this physical force on the retina and the flashes occur inside the eye.
The only flashes you could theoretically prevent would be those that occur when you are hit in the eye or if you rub your eye too hard. Otherwise, they’re just a part of getting older. As with floaters, if you suddenly see repeated flashes (you will probably also have an increase in floaters), this can be a sign of a detached retina. This is an emergency situation.
Treatment Of Flashes And Floaters
Although flashes and floaters are usually harmless and do not need treatment aside from regular monitoring, patients bothered by disturbances in their vision, or those experiencing significant visual interference, require medical intervention.
When treatment is necessary to reduce the appearance of flashes and floaters, it requires surgery to replace the vitreous gel. This procedure, known as a pars plana vitrectomy, removes the natural vitreous and replaces it with fluid.
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Can Flashes And Floaters Be Treated At Home?
There isn’t any treatment you can perform at home for routine floaters and flashes. Both issues are due to the vitreous gel becoming more liquid than gel-like. This causes collagen to clump together and cast shadows on the retina (floaters), and it causes the vitreous to sometimes pull on the retina (flashes). There is nothing you can do about it.
As mentioned above, if there is a sudden increase, that is the time to seek treatment from Dr. Keverline and our team. Home treatment is not an option and could result in vision loss.
Can Untreated Flashes And Floaters Cause Long-Term Damage?
Flashes and floaters themselves are harmless. They don’t cause any damage to the eyes. Floaters can be distracting, but they usually form and then lessen with some time.
Both of these conditions can be a sign of a torn or detached retina. They are not the cause, but they are a sign that the vitreous is pulling on the retina and may have created a tear or detachment. This situation can cause permanent vision loss if the damaged retina is not repaired surgically.
Can Flashes And Floaters Go Away On Their Own?
Occasional flashes are not unusual after a person turns 50 moving forward. The same is true of the development of floaters. You may not have had floaters before that age, but some people do develop them a little earlier.
Floaters tend to fade or go away if the clump of collagen breaks apart. This can happen with time. Flashes don’t necessarily “go away,” but they occur randomly with changes in the vitreous.
In the case of a retinal detachment, emergency treatment is necessary to prevent serious complications. With treatment, most patients, even those with retinal tears, are able to maintain healthy vision.
Southside Eye Care proudly serves Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach Virginia as well as the surrounding areas. For more information on Flashes and Floaters call us at 757-484-0101 today or fill out our contact form for more information.
