Flashes / Floaters
What is a floater?
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Floaters are dark or light spots that float in front of the affected eye. They can be single of multiple or be attached to cobweb-like membranes. They rarely decrease vision significantly but can be annoyingly distracting.
They occur when the vitreous jelly, which makes up 80% of the eye volume, liquifies, clumps and shrinks as people age. The jelly may pull away from the retina which it was originally adjacent to, and cause flashes of light in the eye as the retina is tugged. This event is called a “posterior retinal detachment”. These flashes of light occur in the far side of the vision and are most prominent in dim light or darkness. The flashes tend to last a few seconds only and can be precipitated by eye or head movement. They usually occur in one eye and persist with eyes closed.
What are the risks?
About 10% of these events can lead to the development of a retinal detachment, that is, 90% resolve within a few weeks without any serious effects on the eye or vision. Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell if you are in this 90% group.
If you suddenly notice a new large floater with or without flashing lights in one eye, you should call my office and explain your symptoms to the receptionist who will book you in for an assessment promptly. A retinal detachment appears as a dark bubble extending from the peripheral field and often gradually enlarging over a few hours. If you notice this you should call my office immediately or go to the closest emergency department.
What is the treatment?
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Retinal tears or detachments are treated by retinal surgeons and results are best if the problem is caught early. Floaters are rarely removed surgically as the procedure itself may lead to the development of cataracts and retinal detachment. Flashes are often confused with migraine auras with jagged flashes of light located more centrally that last 10-30 minutes and then resolve. They may be followed by a headache.
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Links & Resources
- AMD Canada
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
- Canadian Glaucoma society
- Canadian Ophthalmological Society
- Canadian Orthoptic Society
- CNIB (Canadian National Institute For the Blind)
- Eye smart
- Eye Smart – Know Your Risks, Save Your Sight
- Glaucoma Research Society of Canada
- Macular Degeneration Foundation
- National Eye Institute
- National Keratoconus Foundation
- North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society
- Retinal Neurophysiology and Anatomy
- Sjögren's Syndrome and Dry Eye
- The Foundation Fighting Blindness (Retinitis Pigmentosa)
- Vitreous Society – American Society of Retina Specialists
- What is Cataract Surgery?