Unraveling the Mystery of Floaters and Flashes in Your Vision
Have you ever experienced the drifting of specks across your field of vision or sudden flashes of light that seem to come out of nowhere? These symptoms are indications of floaters and flashes, becoming more common as we age. While these flashes and floaters may be a bit worrisome, they are usually not harmful and can even be considered a part of the natural aging process.
Floaters may appear in the form of tiny spots, specks, or squiggly lines that seem to float across your field of vision. They can occur in one or both eyes and move around as you try to focus on them. In the case of floaters, tiny clumps of gel or cells inside your eye cast shadows on your retina, the transparent layer of tissue at the back of your eye. These clumps can vary in shape and size and may become more noticeable when looking at a plain background, such as a blank wall or a clear sky.
Although floaters are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate something more serious, such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Seeking immediate medical attention is essential if you observe a shower of floaters accompanied by light flashes.
Flashes are brief flickers of light that may appear in your peripheral vision and seem to come from outside your field of vision. Flashes of light can be triggered by the release of the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the eye and maintains its shape. As we age, the vitreous body tends to shrink and detach from the retina, sending signals to the brain and causing flashes of light.
Getting regular eye exams is always a helpful way to keep your eyes healthy and detect potential issues in their early stages. Feel free to contact Dr. Ankit Desai at Windy City Retina for any eye-related concerns.
Prioritizing regular check-ups is crucial for maintaining optimal vision.
Windy City Retina — Ankit Desai
15905 S Frederick St, Suite 105
Plainfield, IL 60586
815–714–9115
