Floaters and Flashes
Floaters and flashes can be caused by posterior vitreous detachment (also known as PVD) when the vitreous gel inside the eye can no longer support itself as the eye ages. The vitreous gel works like a scaffold for the retina and the inner wall of the eye. This weakens from birth onwards and breaks down as we get older. When the vitreous gel weakens, it will collapse and pull away from the retina.
Floaters are tiny, seemingly transparent specks or strands that drift across your line of sight. They are most noticeable when looking at a plain background, such as a blank wall or the sky. Floaters are typically caused by small clusters of cells or proteins within the vitreous humor, the gel-like fluid that fills the back of the eye.
Flashes, on the other hand, are brief flickers of light that appear in your peripheral vision. They may resemble lightning bolts or camera flashes and can occur spontaneously. Flashes are often indicative of the vitreous gel pulling on the retina, stimulating the optic nerve, and creating the perception of light. If these flashes persist or you notice any disturbance to areas of your vision, please seek optometric or ophthalmic advice to assess these changes.
FAQ
What are the symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment(PVD)?
When the vitreous breaks down, and a PVD occurs debris can be created which appear as floaters. Patients can notice an increase in floaters and potentially flashing lights. These floaters can vary in shape and size within the visual field, causing a distraction.
Flashes of light may occur as the vitreous tugs and detaches from the retina.
How is posterior vitreous detachment treated?
For most individuals, the vitreous detaches from the retina without issue and no treatment is required as floaters settle down over time. However, some patients may experience retinal tears, which can lead to retinal detachment and sight loss. If you are experiencing flashes of light, a high numbers of floaters or dark areas, like a curtain across your vision, we recommend an eye examination, as soon as possible. This will require eye drops to dilate your pupils for a thorough examination of the retina.
How are floaters treated?
If floaters continue to affect vision and disturb your day to day life, our consultant may suggest a treatment pathway. A procedure called a floaterectomy can be performed to improve vision, which is very similar to a vitrectomy.
Contact Vision Care Clinic, Bristol
If you are experiencing persistent floaters or flashes in your vision, don’t delay seeking specialist evaluation and care. Contact Vision Care Clinic, Bristol’s leading private eye clinic today to schedule an appointment with our experienced eye care team on 0117 905 7722.
Importance of Evaluation and Treatment
While floaters and flashes are often benign, they can sometimes signal more serious underlying eye conditions. Sudden onset of floaters and flashes, particularly accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of peripheral vision, eye pain, or a sudden increase in floaters, may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.
At Vision Care Clinic, our team of experienced eye care professionals utilises state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess and evaluate your eye health comprehensively. Through a thorough eye examination, we can determine the exact cause of your symptoms and recommend monitoring or appropriate treatment options to safeguard your vision, if required.
Our Approach to Floaters and Flashes
When you visit Vision Care Clinic for concerns regarding floaters and flashes, you can expect personalised care tailored to your individual needs. Our team will conduct a comprehensive eye evaluation, which may include visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, and a detailed examination of the retina and vitreous humor.
Based on the findings of your evaluation, we will discuss monitoring or treatment options with you, which may include a Vitrectomy in cases of severe retinal complications.