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简体中文Flashes & Floaters
As we grow older, it is more common to experience floaters and flashes as the vitreous gel changes with age, gradually pulling away from the inside surface of the eye.
Small Specks in Your Vision
You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. These are called floaters. You can often see them when looking at a plain background, like a blank wall or blue sky. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear, gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye.
While these objects look like they are in front of your eye, they are actually floating inside it. What you see are the shadows they cast on the retina, the layer of cells lining the back of the eye that senses light and allows you to see. Floaters can appear as different shapes, such as little dots, circles, lines, clouds or cobwebs.
Flashing Lights or Streaks
When the vitreous gel rubs or pulls on the retina, you may see what look like flashing lights or lightning streaks. You may have experienced this same sensation if you have ever been hit in the eye and seen “stars.” The flashes of light can appear off and on for several weeks or months.
Symptoms of Floaters and Flashes
Small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision.
Dots, circles, lines or “cobwebs” in your field of vision.
Seeing flashes of light or “stars.”
Risk of Retinal Tear
If the vitreous gel shrinks and pulls away from the wall of the eye, the retina can tear. This sometimes causes a small amount of bleeding in the eye that may appear as new floaters.
A torn retina is always a serious problem, since it can lead to retinal detachment. You should see your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) as soon as possible if you suddenly see an increase in the size and number of floaters, or you suddenly see flashes of light.
Seeing New Floaters or Flashes?
A sudden increase in floaters or flashes should be evaluated promptly. Same-day appointments available at both locations.