Floaters: What to Do When You See Flashing Circles - Ophthalmology

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Hello! It sounds like you're experiencing some visual phenomena that can be concerning, especially at your young age. Based on your description, it seems like you are seeing what are commonly referred to as "floaters" or "visual disturbances." These can manifest as circles or flashes of light, particularly when looking at bright objects or the night sky.

Floaters are typically caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and may pull away from the retina, leading to the perception of floaters. However, in younger individuals, floaters can also occur due to various reasons, including myopia (nearsightedness), which you mentioned you have, or even after certain visual stimuli, like looking at bright lights or stars.

The fact that these circles disappear when you wear your glasses suggests that they may be related to your vision correction needs. When your eyes are not properly corrected for distance, they may struggle to focus, leading to visual disturbances. This is particularly true for individuals with myopia, where the light entering the eye does not focus directly on the retina, causing blurriness and potentially contributing to the perception of floaters or flashes.

It's important to note that while floaters are often benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. If you experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain effect in your vision, you should seek an eye care professional immediately, as these could be signs of retinal detachment or other serious conditions.

Given your age and the fact that you are experiencing these symptoms, I recommend the following steps:
1. Schedule an Eye Exam: Since you are already wearing glasses, it would be beneficial to have a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can assess your eye health and determine if there are any underlying issues contributing to your symptoms.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of when these visual disturbances occur. Note if they happen more frequently under certain conditions, such as when you are tired, stressed, or after prolonged screen time.

3. Discuss Your Concerns: During your eye exam, be sure to discuss your concerns about the floaters and flashes. Your eye care provider can explain what you are experiencing and whether it is related to your myopia or if further investigation is needed.

4. Protect Your Eyes: If you spend a lot of time in front of screens, consider taking regular breaks to reduce eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule is a good guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

5. Stay Informed: Understanding your eye health is crucial. If you have any family history of eye diseases or conditions, make sure to inform your eye care provider, as this can influence your risk factors.

In conclusion, while floaters and flashes can be a normal part of vision, especially in younger individuals with myopia, it's essential to have them evaluated by a professional to rule out any serious conditions. Regular eye exams are key to maintaining good eye health, especially as your vision changes. Don't hesitate to reach out to an eye care professional for peace of mind and proper guidance.