Flashes and Floaters

What is a Flash?

Your retina is incredibly sensitive and is therefore easily stimulated. When your retina detects light it uses the optic nerve to send a message to your brain, which in turn interprets that message as an image. Your retina can also be stimulated by other things, such as a pressure and jostling. These stimuli are reported to the brain, which interprets these actions as a flash of light.

Many things can cause flashes of light, and some are more serious than others. As we age the vitreous fluid in our eyes shrinks and may cause tugging on the retina, resulting in flashes. A sudden stop or a blow to the head can also cause flashes. However, if you experience any new flashes it may be a sign that your retina has torn or become detached. If this is the case you should seek emergency medical care or call us and request an emergency appointment.

If you have experienced a head injury you should seek medical help immediately. An undiagnosed concussion can lead to a variety of serious health problems.

What is a Floater?

The inside of your eye is filled with vitreous. When you are born it is a gel, but as you age it slowly loses its viscosity and becomes a combination of liquid and fibers. However, this transformation process doesn’t tend to happen evenly, which can leave pieces of vitreous floating in the liquid. The little floating shapes you see in your eye are typically just the shadows of the floating pieces.

A sudden onset of floaters could indicate a retinal hole, tear or detachment. If left untreated these retinal problems can cause permanent vision damage including blindness.

Laser treatment can be used to stabilize retinal holes, halting their progression. However, quick action is vital to minimizing the damage. If you have any new floaters call our office immediately to book an emergency appointment or seek emergency medical care.

When Are Flashers and Floaters a Cause for Concern?

Any time you experience a sudden change in your vision you should request an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible just in case something is wrong. If you experience flashes or a curtain or veil over your vision or as sudden onset of floaters something might be seriously wrong and you should seek emergency care immediately.

What Exactly Is Retinal Detachment?

The delicate lining on the back of your eye is called your retina. It plays a vital role in vision, and is responsible for detecting light and sending messages to your brain. When the retina detaches or tears it is a cause for serious concern as retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss.
The longer you wait to get your retina reattached the less likely it is that your full vision can be restored. If you think you may be experiencing retinal detachment seek medical help right away. You can request an emergency appointment by calling our office.