Eye Floaters and Flashes: When to Seek Help - Ophthalmology

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Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding eye floaters and flashes. It’s completely understandable to feel anxious about changes in your vision, especially when you’ve been experiencing symptoms like floaters and flashes. Let’s break down your questions and concerns.


Understanding Floaters and Flashes
1. What Are Floaters?
Floaters are tiny specks or strands that drift through your field of vision. They are usually caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills your eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and may pull away from the retina, leading to the perception of floaters. They are generally harmless, but they can be bothersome.

2. What Are Flashes?
Flashes of light, on the other hand, can occur when the vitreous pulls on the retina, causing it to send signals to the brain that are interpreted as light. This can happen in various situations, such as when you move your eyes quickly or when you are in low-light conditions.


When to Seek Help
You mentioned that your eye doctor diagnosed you with a typical case of floaters and reassured you that there’s no immediate concern. However, it’s wise to be vigilant. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters.

- Flashes of light that are new or have increased in frequency.

- A shadow or curtain effect in your vision.

- Any sudden changes in your vision, such as blurriness or loss of vision.

These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.


Understanding Your Experience with Light
Regarding your experience of seeing flashes while watching TV, it’s important to differentiate between what you might perceive as a flash and the visual effects produced by the screen itself. Flashes from retinal issues typically appear as brief bursts of light in your peripheral vision and are not confined to a specific area like the TV screen. If you see flashes that seem to originate from within your eye, rather than from an external source, that could be a sign to consult your eye doctor.


Managing Your Symptoms
As for your concern about whether the sensation of floaters will disappear, it’s common for floaters to become less noticeable over time as your brain learns to ignore them. However, they may not completely go away.
Regarding dietary changes, while carrots and foods rich in vitamin A are good for overall eye health, they won’t specifically eliminate floaters. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and protecting your eyes from UV light are all beneficial practices for eye health.


Conclusion
In summary, while floaters are typically benign, it’s crucial to monitor any changes in your symptoms. If you notice an increase in floaters or experience flashes of light, don’t hesitate to reach out to your eye care professional. Regular check-ups, as suggested by your doctor, are important to ensure that your eye health remains stable.
If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask. Your vision is important, and staying informed is key to maintaining your eye health. Take care!