Vienna Eyecare Center

Have you ever noticed tiny specks drifting across your field of vision or experienced sudden, brief flashes of light? These phenomena, known as eye floaters and flashes, are quite common. Keep reading as Vienna Eyecare Center shares more information about eye floaters and flashes.

Eye Floaters

Eye floaters are tiny spots, specks or cobweb-like shapes that appear to float in your field of vision. They typically move with your eyes and seem to drift away when you try to look at them directly. Floaters are quite common and usually harmless, but it’s good to understand their causes.

The most common cause of eye floaters is age-related changes in the vitreous, the jelly-like substance that fills the back of your eye. As you age, the vitreous can shrink and become more liquid, causing floaters to form. Other causes of eye floaters include inflammation in the eye or bleeding within the eye, either of which may require medical attention.

Eye Flashes

Eye flashes are brief, sudden flashes of light that often appear in the peripheral vision. They can occur as a single event or happen repeatedly over a short period. Like floaters, flashes are usually harmless, but they may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention.

The most common cause of eye flashes is retinal detachment, a condition in which the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. This is a medical emergency as retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Other causes of eye flashes include migraines and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which occurs when the vitreous separates from the retina.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Regular eye exams aid in the early detection and treatment of eye floaters and flashes. During an eye exam, an eye care professional conducts a comprehensive eye examination and performs a retinal examination to diagnose the cause of floaters and flashes.

Treatment options for eye floaters and flashes depend on the underlying cause. In many cases, simply observing the symptoms and ensuring that they do not worsen is sufficient. For more severe cases, medication or surgery may be necessary.

Prevention

Maintaining your eye health can help prevent floaters and flashes. Schedule regular eye exams, and wear protective eyewear like eyeglasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses. Additionally, choose a healthy lifestyle and ensure proper eye care.

If you are in Fairfax, Reston, or Corner, VA, and have concerns about your eyes, you can depend on our experts at Vienna Eyecare Center. Call (703) 938-7633 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation.