Common Problems : Flashes & Floaters

You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. They are called floaters. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye.

When people reach middle age, the vitreous gel may start to thicken or shrink, forming clumps or strands inside the eye. The vitreous gel pulls away from the back wall of the eye, causing a posterior vitreous detachment. It is a common cause of floaters.

Posterior vitreous detachment is more common for people who:

• are nearsighted
• have undergone cataract operations
• have had YAG laser surgery of the eye
• have had inflammation inside the eye

The appearance of floaters may be alarming, especially if they develop suddenly. You should see an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) right away if you suddenly develop new floaters, especially if you are over 45 years of age. You should see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible if:

• even one new floater appears suddenly
• you see sudden flashes of light
• you experience loss of side vision

Floaters can get in the way of clear vision, which may be quite annoying, especially if you are trying to read. You can try moving your eyes, looking up and then down to move the floaters out of the way. While some floaters may remain in your vision, many of them will fade over time and become less bothersome. Even if you have had some floaters for years, you should have an eye examination immediately if you notice new ones.