Flashes & Floaters

Floaters

What are Floaters?

Floaters are usually proteins, made up from the collagen fibres of the vitreous or jelly at the back of the eye. As this jelly shrinks over time, which is a normal occurrence of the aging process of the eye, these proteins break down causing floaters.

What do floaters look like?

Floaters appear as black or grey specs or strings in your vision. They are more obvious when you are looking at a bright uniform background e.g., computer screen, blue sky or ceiling. As you go to look at the floaters they drift away only to reappear later when you change your glance again. These cells cast a shadow on the retina, the light sensitive part of the eye as they float around in the jelly.

How long do floaters last?

Floaters can take several months (even years) to resolve and are often replaced by new floaters.

Is there any treatment for floaters?

Larger floaters if they are significantly impeding the vision can be treated, however this is only currently available on the private healthcare system. There is also a new supplement called VitroCap which has been shown to help with certain floaters. These supplements are available in store.

Are floaters dangerous?

Floaters are usually of no concern; however, it is important to be aware of them and if you notice any increase in the number of floaters, a cobweb over your vision, large floaters and or flashing lights then that can be an indication of a more serious problem such as a detached retina and would require further investigation, either by your optometrist or the emergency eye department.

Flashes

What are Flashes?

Flashes in the eyes appear like lightening or camera flashes particularly noticeable in the dark.

Most flashes happen when the vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks or changes (known as a Posterior Vitreous Detachment-PVD) pulling on the retina. In contrast, bright spots, jagged lines or patches of light that appear and stay in place for a period of time may be a visual migraine/aura.

If you suddenly start seeing repeated flashes of light, especially along with floaters it’s very important to have your eyes checked to rule out more serious conditions such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment.

If you are having an eye examination due to flashing lights or floaters, your Optician may need to use drops to make your pupils larger in order to examine your eyes. Your vision will be blurred for at least 6 hours after these drops, and you will not be able to drive. It is advisable to have somebody drive you on that day.

If you experience a sudden increase in floaters, cobweb over your vision and or flashing lights outside of business hours please attend Waterford University Hospital Eye Casualty Department which is accessible through the accident and emergency department.