Eye Floaters and Flashes

Did you know that floaters and flashes that you experience in your eyesight are real?

Did you also know that they are really serious?

We all experience it one time or another. If you look directly into a light and then look away, you might see black spots in your vision for a few seconds. Experiencing floaters and flashes can sometimes be like that. You see spots that you know aren’t really there, but they are in your line of vision. Or you may see flashes of light off to the side of your vision, but there is no one taking your picture or shining a flash light at you.

Eye floaters and flashes can be the result of trauma to the eye. If you have ever been hit in the eye or have something poke you, you may notice these symptoms for a few minutes. For more serious injuries, the floaters and flashes may not go away.

You should see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible if:

• One new, large floater or "showers" of floaters appear suddenly
• You see sudden flashes of light
• You notice other symptoms, such as the loss of side vision

Your eye is filled with vitreous gel, and as you age, this gel can thicken or shrink. This may cause floaters within your eye. If the vitreous gel rubs against your retina or causes a tear in your retina, you may notice flashes.

It’s important not to ignore these symptoms. There is usually pain associated with a torn retina, but even if you do not experience pain, you should still call right away to have your vision checked.

Early treatment is the key to preserving your vision.