Eye Disorders - Floaters & Flashes

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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.

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.

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute, supplant or augment any advice from your physician or other health care professional or medication label. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any eye or health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.  To contact Eyes Over Texas Eye Care Center - call us at 281-398-0747

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More on Eye Disorders

Cataracts
Floaters & Flashers
Diabetic Retinopathy
Glaucoma
Presbyopia
Astigmatism
Amblyopia

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