What are Flashes and Floaters?
If you’ve ever looked at the sky, wall in a brightly lit room, you might have noticed little “floaters” that drift across your vision. These floaters can be a normal occurrence, resulting from the natural aging process of the vitreous jelly in your eyes. Eventually, this jelly might liquefy enough to gently pull away from the retina and result in a posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD. During this process, you might develop flashes, in addition to floaters, in your field of vision.
While flashes and floaters are typically the result of age, they can also be indicative of a potential retinal tear, hole, or even detachment. More commonly however, floaters can also be caused by myopia (or nearsightedness,) trauma to the eye, surgical procedures of the eye, or even various medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to call your retina specialist, as soon as possible, if you are noticing new or unusual flashes and/or floaters.
How is a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) Detected?
A PVD can be detected during a dilated pupil exam; these exams allow your retina specialist to obtain a good view of the entire retina. During the assessment, your doctor will thoroughly examine the retina to determine if there is cause for the floaters, such as a retinal tear. However, more often than not, floaters are a benign condition and should be monitored by the patient for any changes or abnormalities.
Can Floaters Be Treated?
The severity and perceptibility of floaters varies from person to person, therefore treatment is considered based on the visual significance of these floaters. An individual can have many floaters, but may barely notice them, while another can be severely hindered in their daily lives by the symptoms of floaters. In such patients, where tasks such as reading and driving are affected, your retina specialist might consider a surgical approach, called a vitrectomy, to remove the vitreous jelly in the eye and clear the floaters. As with any surgical procedure, it is important to fully discuss and weigh the risks, benefits, and alternatives with your doctor. Call our office today to learn more about your options for visually significant floaters!
Do you have questions regarding flashes and floaters? Call us! (561) 499-8830
Learn more about PVDs:
American Academy of Ophthalmology. What are Floaters and Flashes?
American Society of Retina Specialists. Vitrectomy for Floaters.
Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan. Floaters and Flashes.
