What Are Flashes and Floaters?
Of all retinal conditions, you likely have some familiarity with flashes and floaters. Often occurring together, patients describe these as “sparks” or “moving spots” that slide through their vision. Flashes tend to be most apparent in low light; floaters appear when looking at a blank space such as the sky. Flashes and floaters are more common as we age, but don’t always affect both eyes simultaneously as the aging process that causes them can happen at a different pace.
Flashes and floaters result from shrinkage in the eye’s vitreous gel. As the gel-like fluid tugs on your retina, the signals it sends to your optic nerve can be mixed, inducing the flashing lights. The collagen in the vitreous breaks down and collapses onto itself creating opacities, seen as floaters in the vision. The collapsed vitreous jelly eventually fully separates from the retina to float freely in the middle of the eye. Even though this condition is normal, you should have it checked to ensure nothing more is happening. Flashes and floaters don’t usually require treatment, unless they are visually debilitating.
Treatment for Flashes and Floaters
When flashes and floaters begin to impede your vision and restrict your daily activities, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy.
Vitrectomy surgery is an outpatient procedure that replaces the vitreous with a saline solution. This removes all vitreous floaters and relieves vitreous traction on the retina reducing the appearance of flashing lights.
Vitrectomy surgery can be used to treat many other eye conditions. Generally, patients experience mild pain and discomfort from this procedure that may include wearing an eye patch. It is important to follow all pre- and post-op instructions.
