Should You Be Worried About Eye Floaters and Flashes

Have you ever noticed small specks or lines floating in your vision? Or perhaps you’ve seen flashes of light that seem to come out of nowhere. These phenomena, known as eye floaters and flashes, are common and often harmless. However, understanding when they may indicate a more serious issue is crucial for your eye health.

Understanding Eye Floaters

Eye floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. They can appear as dots, lines, circles, or cobwebs in your field of vision, primarily noticeable when looking at a plain background like a blue sky or a blank wall. As we age, the vitreous gradually thickens or shrinks, leading to the formation of these clumps or strands. Although floaters are mostly harmless and tend to fade over time, they can sometimes signify a more severe condition, especially if they increase in number or are accompanied by other symptoms.

The Phenomenon of Flashes

Flashes, on the other hand, manifest as flickering lights or lightning streaks in your vision, often compared to the sensation of seeing ‘stars’ after a hit on the head. These are caused by the vitreous humor rubbing or pulling on the retina. Like floaters, flashes are more common as people age but they should not be disregarded, especially if they appear suddenly or in a greater number.

Causes of Floaters and Flashes

1. Age-Related Changes

The most common cause of floaters and flashes is aging, which leads to changes in the vitreous humor of the eye. As the vitreous shrinks or becomes more liquid, bits of collagen can clump together and cast shadows on the retina, resulting in floaters. Similarly, as the vitreous humor pulls away from the retina, it can stimulate the retina and produce flashes.

2. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

PVD is a natural process that occurs as the vitreous humor detaches from the retina. While this condition is not painful and does not typically lead to vision loss, it can lead to complications like retinal tears or detachment if not monitored.

3. Other Causes

While aging and PVD are the most common causes, there are other conditions that can lead to floaters and flashes, such as inflammation, eye infections, severe coughing, migraines, diabetes, and eye injuries. In some cases, these can be symptoms of more serious conditions that require immediate attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most floaters and flashes are not a cause for alarm and tend to resolve on their own. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes and peripheral vision loss, could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, a condition that requires urgent medical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.

Schedule Your Eye Exam at Advanced Eyecare of Chino Optometry

If you’re experiencing persistent floaters and flashes, or if you’ve noticed a sudden change in your vision, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional. Advanced Eyecare of Chino Optometry, located in Chino, CA, offers comprehensive eye exams to help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Don’t wait until your vision is severely impacted. Schedule an eye exam with us by calling (909) 627-7518 or fill out our online form today to ensure your eye health is in the best possible condition.