Flashes and floaters are common visual phenomena that can signal various eye conditions. Dr. Dhrubbojyoti Saaha at Total Retina Eye Care in Dhantoli, Nagpur, sheds light on their causes and associated eye conditions to enhance understanding and prompt timely intervention.

What are Flashes and Floaters?

Floaters are small shapes or shadows that drift across the field of vision, appearing as dots or irregular strands. They're often harmless but may indicate serious eye conditions when accompanied by flashes of light.

Causes of Flashes and Floaters: The vitreous humor, a clear gel-like substance within the eye, can develop floaters as it ages and liquifies, revealing collagen strands that cast shadows on the retina. Flashes occur when the vitreous tugs on the retina, stimulating it and causing bright light perceptions. Aging, eye operations, infections, inflammation, eye diseases, or injuries can contribute to floaters and flashes.

Eye Conditions Associated with Floaters: Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): PVD results from vitreous humor changes due to aging, where the gel's central part liquefies, causing the outer cortex to shrink away from the retina. Floaters and flashes may occur as collagen thickens and clumps, pulling on the retina and stimulating it to create light sensations.

Retinal Tears and Vitreous Hemorrhage: In PVD cases, the vitreous humor's pull on the retina can cause tiny blood vessels to burst, leading to vitreous hemorrhage. Rarely, strong vitreous attachment points can cause retinal tears, presenting with increased floaters, flashes, and bleeding. Urgent eye specialist review is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Retinal Detachment: Untreated retinal tears may progress to retinal detachment, where the retina separates from the eye wall, potentially causing vision loss. Prompt surgical intervention or retinal laser treatment is necessary to address retinal detachment.

Visit Total Retina Eye Care: If you experience flashes or floaters, prompt evaluation by an eye care specialist like Dr. Dhrubbojyoti Saaha is essential to rule out serious eye conditions. Don't compromise your vision—schedule an eye examination today at Total Retina Eye Care in Dhantoli, Nagpur.