When to See a Doctor About Eye Flashes and Floaters
Originally published by Vitreoretinal Consultants of New York
Many people with healthy eyes will occasionally see flashes and floaters in their field of vision. However, these visual disturbances could also indicate an issue with the retina, the inner layer of the eye responsible for detecting light and converting it into signals for the brain. Here’s what you need to know about eye floaters and flashes and when to see a doctor about them.
Identifying Eye Floaters
Floaters are small shapes like specks, dots, circles, lines, or cobwebs that appear in your field of vision. They are caused by tiny clumps within the vitreous – the clear, gel-like substance filling the inside of the eye – that cast shadows on the retina. With age, the vitreous can break down, liquify, and collect together to form clumps that block light. Floaters are the moving shadows of these clumps within the vitreous. Individuals who are nearsighted, have undergone cataract surgery, experienced eye trauma, or have inflammatory eye conditions are at higher risk for developing floaters and flashes. While they can occur naturally, a sudden new shower of floaters may indicate a serious condition.
What Are Eye Flashes?
Eye flashes manifest as brief bursts of light in your vision, resembling lightning strikes or camera flashes. These flashes may be a sign that the retina is being stretched or pulled. Similar to eye floaters, they can occur naturally as a result of aging. Flashes that look like jagged lines or heat waves may be caused by a migraine.
When Should You See a Doctor for Flashes and Floaters?
Flashes and floaters are common and can often be attributed to aging. However, these symptoms may also indicate a retinal tear or detachment, especially if accompanied with a shadow in the peripheral (side) vision or a gray curtain that covers part of the visual field. Untreated tears can result in permanent vision loss, and detachments require immediate medical attention to prevent blindness. If you suddenly notice new floaters, flashes of light, a shadow in your peripheral vision, or a gray curtain covering part of your visual field, seek immediate attention from a retina specialist.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Eye flashes and floaters may be harmless, but they may also be a sign of something wrong with the retina. If you’re experiencing flashes and floaters, you should schedule an appointment with a retina specialist to rule out any vision-threatening conditions. With retina centers in Elmhurst, Flushing, Great Neck, Hauppauge, Upper East Side Manhattan, Scarsdale, Riverhead, Rockville Centre, Shirley, and Westbury, Vitreoretinal Consultants is one of the largest retina practices serving patients in New York and surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our top-rated retina specialists.