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Free Laser Vision Screening
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You may sometimes see small webs or clouds moving in your field of vision. They are called floaters, and you can often see them when looking at a plain background, like a blank wall or blue sky. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye, called the vitreous. Although the floaters appear to be in front of the eye, they are actually floating in
the vitreous fluid inside the eye. What causes floaters?When people age, the vitreous gel may start to thicken or shrink, forming clumps or strands inside the eye. The vitreous gel pulls away from the back wall of the eye, causing a posterior vitreous detachment (which should not be confused with a retinal detachment). It is a common cause of floaters. Posterior vitreous detachment is more common for people who:
The appearance of floaters may be alarming, especially if they develop suddenly. You should see an ophthalmologist (a medical eye physician) right away if you suddenly develop new floaters, especially if you are over 45 years of age, are nearsighted, or are diabetic. Are floaters ever serious?The retina can tear if the shrinking vitreous gel pulls away from the wall of the eye. This sometimes causes a small amount of bleeding in the eye that may appear as a new floater. A torn retina is always a serious problem, since it can lead to a retinal detachment. You should see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible if:
What can be done about floaters?Because you need to know if your retina is torn, call your ophthalmologist if a new floater appears suddenly. Floaters can get in the way of clear vision, which may be quite annoying, especially if you are trying to read. You can Try moving your eyes, looking up and then down to move the floater out of the way. While some floaters may remain in your vision, many of them usually fade over time and become less bothersome. Even if you have had some floaters for years, you should have an eye examination immediately if you notice new ones. What causes flashing lights?When the vitreous gel tugs on the retina, you may see what look like flashing lights or lightning streaks. This is because the retina cannot sense pain when pulled upon, but only senses light. You may have experienced this same sensation if you have ever been hit in the eye and seen "stars." When the vitreous rubs or pulls on the retina, it creates a sensation of flashing lights. The flashes of light can appear off and on for several weeks or months. As we grow older, it is more common to experience flashes. If you notice the sudden appearance of light flashes, you should visit your ophthalmologist immediately to see if the retina has been torn. How are your eyes examined?When an ophthalmologist examines your eyes, your pupils will be dilated with eye drops. During this examination, your ophthalmologist will carefully observe your retina and vitreous for any signs of retinal detachment. Because your eyes have been dilated, you may need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home afterwards. Floaters and flashes of light become more common as we grow older. While not all floaters and flashes are serious, you should always have a medical eye examination by an ophthalmologist to make sure there has been no damage to your retina. |
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