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Floaters
The small specks or "bugs" that many people
see moving in their field of vision are
called floaters. They are frequently
visible when looking at a plain background,
such as a blank wall or blue sky.
Floaters are small clumps of gel that form
in the vitreous, clear jelly-like fluid that
fills the inside cavity of the eye. Although
they appear to be in front of the eye, they
are actually floating in the fluid inside
the eye and are seen as shadows by the
retina.
The appearance of floaters, whether in the
form of little dots, circles, lines, or
cobwebs, may cause much concern, especially
if they develop suddenly; however, they are
usually of little importance, representing
an aging process.
Only by examination by a licensed
ophthalmologist, can a person determine
whether floaters are serious.
Flashes
The vitreous gel which fills the inside of
the eye sometimes pulls or tugs on the
retina. This pulling causes the appearance
of flashing lights or lightning streaks,
though there is no flashing lights actually
present. This same sensation sometimes
occurs when one is hit in the eye and sees
"stars".
When vitreous separation pulls the gel away
from the retina, flashes of light may appear
off and on for several weeks. This commonly
happens as we grow older and is usually not
a cause for alarm. On rare occasions, light
flashes are associated with a large number
of new floaters and even blacking out part
of the field of vision.
When this occurs, immediate examination by
your ophthalmologist is important to
determine if a retinal tear or retinal
detachment has developed.
If any symptoms of floaters or
flashes are
noticed, an ophthalmologist should
be contacted as soon as possible.
Call Eyes Over Texas Eye Care Center
at 281-398-0747 to schedule your
consultation today or use our
convenient
online
appointment/consultation request
form. |
