Flashes and floaters

[arlee188]

A month ago, I suddenly noticed floaters and flashes in my right eye. I immediately went to my optrometrist and he checked for a detached retina. Everything was fine. A few days later, I went to an opthamologist who again checked for a detached retina. That exam was normal. I still have the flashes everyday, not so much the floaters. I'm worried because I think that having these flashes will eventually cause a tear in the retina. I feel as though I'm sitting on a "time bomb". Has anyone experienced this and how long did it last? I go back the eye doctor next week to re-check.

[tory1953]

The floating specks you sometimes see in front of your eyes are not on the surface of your eyes, but inside them. These floaters are bits of cellular debris that come and go without treatment. To some people, these "floaters" look like spots. To others, they look like tiny threads

Floaters are a result of changes in the Vitreous Body, the colloidal gel that occupies most of the hollow sphere of the eye. Aside from maintaining good nutrition, taking anti-oxidant vitamins, and following a healthy lifestyle, Ophthalmologists have no specific answer on how to prevent them.

l About Vision Website says light flashes, also called spots or floaters, are not cause for alarm because they are harmless. This flashes are usually caused by undissolved gel particles in you.

The causes of light flashes can be any number of things
Head Injury

A head injury is a major cause of light flashes. A blow to the head or injury from a car accident can cause the retina to tear, resulting in flashes of light. If the retina does not tear, flashes can come from other injuries to the eye. A person with a head injury may also feel a hot sensation in the eyes as well.


Vitreous Hemorrhage

Vitreous hemorrhage, also called bleeding, is another cause of light flashes in the eye. This bleeding is often the result of an injury or other factors such as diabetes, inflammation or nearsightedness. A person who is nearsighted is not able to see clearly far away. Everything looks clear close up within a short distance, but these people often have difficulty seeing road signs or other objects that are far away. Eye infections or cataract surgery can cause inflammation. In addition, the YAG eye laser surgery can also caused hemorrhage, leading to flashes of light.

Migraines can also cause flashes of light. Migraines are severe often debilitating headaches that can happen at any age. Flashes of light can come and go with the pain causing torment to the person suffering a migraine.

Hope this helps
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Bob Day

[Unregistered]

Thanks for all the info Bob. I saw my eye doctor this morning, and again he checked my retina in both eyes - all was okay. I'm still getting flashes, although I don't have them all day. The floaters are not bothersome and I don't have many of those at all. The doctor told me that if the flashes become very frequent, I must call right away and be checked. I've never had any problems with my eyes before, so this is annoying and scary as well. I am nearsighted. I'll be going back to the doctor in 6 months.