Issue 12.11
Floaters are small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. They are actually tiny clumps of cells or material inside the vitreous, the clear, gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. What you see are the shadows they cast on the retina, the layer of cells lining the back of the eye that you see with. Floaters can appear as different shapes, such as little dots, circles, lines, clouds or cobwebs.
When the vitreous gel pulls on the retina, you may see what look like flashing lights or lightning streaks. We call these Flashes. 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.
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.
The appearance of floaters and flashes may be alarming, especially if they develop very suddenly. Often, the symptoms are just a normal part of the aging process, but can also be an indication of some more serious and even vision threatening problems inside the eye, like a retinal tear or retinal detachment. To find out if this is occurring, you should call your ophthalmologist right away if you notice the following symptoms:
· A sudden increase in size and number of floaters
· A sudden appearance of flashes
· Having a shadow or curtain appear in the periphery (side) of your field of vision
· Seeing a gray curtain moving across your field of vision
· Having a sudden decrease in your vision
If there is a problem, time is of the essence! The sooner a problem can be detected, the better your chances of preserving your vision and minimizing the seriousness of any necessary repair procedures.
Jason W. Hendrix, M.D. is a Board certified Ophthalmologist, and fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is in private practice at the St. George Eye Center. For appointments or information, call 435-628-4507.