Eye Flashes and Floaters

Eye floaters are those mosquito-like specks and "cobwebs" that drift aimlessly around in your field of vision. While annoying, these are very common and usually are not cause for alarm. These typically appear when tiny pieces of the eye's gel-like substance (vitreous) break loose within the hollow portion of the inner eye. 

When we are born and throughout our youth, the vitreous has a gel-like consistency. But as we age (usually after 50 years of age but sooner in myopic eyes), the vitreous begins to dissolve and liquefy to create a watery center occurring over a span of months or even years. Some remaining formed gel particles occasionally will float around in the more liquid center of the vitreous. These particles can take on many shapes and sizes to become what we refer to as "floaters." 

You'll notice that these floaters are particularly pronounced when you look at a bright, clear sky or a white computer screen. But you cannot see the actual tiny bits of debris floating loose within your eye. Instead, shadows from these floaters are cast on the retina as light passes through the eye, and those shadows are what you see. You'll also notice that most of these specks never seem to stay still when you try to focus on them. Floaters and spots move when your eye moves, creating the impression that they are "drifting." 

Ordinarily, light entering your eye stimulates the retina. This produces an electrical impulse, which the optic nerve transmits to the brain. The brain then interprets this impulse as light or some type of image. If the retina is mechanically stimulated (physically touched), a similar electrical impulse is sent to the brain. This impulse is then interpreted as a "flicker" of light. This happens in an age-related benign condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This does not lead to loss of vision. Depending on the extent of the tear or detachment, these flashes of light might be short-lived or continue indefinitely until the retina is repaired. 

You cannot prevent floaters and flashes, but you can prevent vision loss by recognizing the symptoms of retinal tear and retinal detachment. Periodically check the vision in each of your eyes to make sure there are not any new floaters or flashes. Cover one eye and pick a point straight ahead to look at. Count the number of floaters and pay attention to how long and how intense the flashes are. You should see your ophthalmologist if:

• You have never seen floaters and flashes before and all of a sudden you start seeing a lot of them.
• You had floaters and flashes before, but you notice a sudden increase in how many there are.
• A veil or a gray area appears in your peripheral vision or side vision.
• You have had floaters and flashes for a long time, but they now look different than they used to.
• Your floaters interfere with critical tasks such as reading and driving.
• You had floaters in one eye months or years ago and now have them in the other eye.

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