Flashes and Floaters

At some point later in their lives, a relatively small percentage of people may begin to see what appears to be specks of dust, lint, lines, wispy threads, branching twigs, or spiders in their field of vision.  They also notice that blinking or rubbing the eyes does not get rid of the specks or threads.  This obviously can be cause for some concern.  At MidWest EyeCenter in Cincinnati, OH, a thorough eye examination can help determine what is likely behind this—a relatively harmless condition known in the medical field as “flashes and floaters”. 

Who Is At Risk?
Flashes and floaters (which, aside from appearing as the aforementioned types of floating spots, can also occur as bright flashes of light) are due in large part to the aging of the eyes.   Each different type of flash and floater has its own specific cause, however people that are nearsighted or have eyes that are inflamed or have been injured are generally the most susceptible to this condition.  As we grow older, the likelihood of having flashes and floaters increases.  Ultimately, flashes and floaters are fairly common and therefore it is important to have your eyes examined regularly in the event that something more serious, like a tear or hole in the retina, is causing the problem. 
At MidWest EyeCenter, Dr. Schneider and his staff use special instruments to examine the inside of the eye.  A regular eye examination can go a long way in determining whether or not a more serious condition exists. 

What Causes Flashes And Floaters?
There is a fluid with gel-like consistency, called the vitreous, which is attached to the retina and fills the back of the eye.  When we are young, the vitreous fluid is thick and it helps to hold any clumps or strands of tissue in place.  As we age, the vitreous fluid gradually becomes more watery, allowing the fibers in the vitreous body to begin to pull loose from where they were normally attached.  This tissue begins to float around inside the eye, occasionally causing small ‘floaters’ in the field of vision.  As a person gets older, the vitreous becomes more and more watery, allowing larger floaters or flashes of light to occur. 

Treatment Of Flashes And Floaters
As previously stated, most cases of flashes and floaters are simply due to normal aging.  In these cases no treatment is necessary as the condition will become much less apparent over time.  This is due to a natural adjustment that the brain makes, essentially ‘tuning out’ the floater.  However, if a thorough eye examination shows that there is a tear or hole in the retina, bleeding, or complete detachment, different treatment options exist.  These may include laser eye surgery, injections, eye drops, or oral medications.  Dr. Schneider and the staff at MidWest Eye Center in Cincinnati, OH are prepared to assess the best course of action for those with more serious conditions.