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Floaters (or spots) are those blobs in your vision that you sometimes see when you look at a white wall. They are the result of particles and impurities within the vitreous (the crystal clear gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eyeball) casting shadows on the retina.
Floaters can be annoying but in the majority of instances are harmless. However, they may also be indicative of eye disease or other health conditions and should be checked by your optometrist.
Most people see floaters some time during their life. As you get older, the thick fluid close to the retina becomes more liquid. This allows particles to move freely and become more visible. Also, the vitreous gel can be pushed forward; a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Sometimes a PVD is associated with pulling on the retina where the vitreous is attached at certain points. Pulling on the retina causes flashing lights. If the pulling is severe, a hole or tear may develop in the retina. The liquid vitreous may then pass through the hole or tear and push the retina forward, causing a retinal detachment. Urgent attention is needed if this occurs to save your sight.
Floaters vary greatly in appearance. Some are only just noticeable while others may be particularly disturbing drifting across your field of vision. They may appear as spots, thread-like strands, fine cobwebs or just as dull shadow across your vision. If you notice sudden flashes and floaters; or an increase in the number or size, you should consult your optometrist for further advice and an examination.
Though commonly observed and usually normal, in around 10-20% of cases the sudden development of floaters may indicate a more serious eye problem. If you get an increase in floaters, vivid flashing lights, a curtain-like shadow or a large black cobweb-like image appears, visit your optometrist straight away.
Flashes combined with floaters are warning signs which should prompt examination by your optometrist, to rule out retinal detachment.
A retinal detachment is when the sight-seeing retina peels off the back of the eye. If the retina has peeled off, it will not function. Retinal detachment occurs in about 0.01% of the population but is more common in myopic (short sighted) eyes.
If it is found that the floaters or flashing lights are causing changes to the eye that could potentially threaten your sight, your optometrist can arrange a speedy assessment and management of this by an eye specialist. Retinal tears can be welded down either with laser (heat burning) or cryotherapy (freezing). Treatment of tears causes little or no discomfort and is performed as an outpatient. Almost all retinal detachments require surgery, which should be carried out within a few days.
A range of visual disturbances are associated with migraines. Signs of a migraine can include shimmering lights, wavy lines and a restriction in fields of vision.
Symptoms can last between 15 to 30 minutes and are usually followed by a severe headache and feelings of nausea. Visual symptoms similar to those preceding a migraine headache may also occur without a headache especially from the age of 40 onwards and are often harmless, but can also occur when a person has a disease of the vascular system. This should be investigated if there has been no migraine prior to the age of forty.
Kiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
Book appointmentKiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
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