What Are Eye Flashes and Eye Floaters, and Why Do They Happen?
Eye flashes and eye floaters are a common occurrence, so you likely have seen one at some point or another. Not only that, but they also become more common as you age. Not everyone knows what to call them though, nor do they know why they happen. Worse yet, they are not sure whether eye flashes and eye floaters are a cause for concern. We here at Clinton Eye Associates in Clinton, CT, are here to clear up all these questions.
What Are Eye Flashes and Eye Floaters?
Both eye flashes and eye floaters occur as a result of the shrinking of the gel-like fluid in your eye. This is a natural process that occurs as a person ages, so for the most part, one should not express worry when they see it occur. You may even see eye floaters for example when you are very young. Eye flashes and eye floaters can occur for a variety of reasons; for example, nearsighted people may be more likely to experience them, while people with diabetes may also be more likely to experience them. They may also occur for those who underwent cataracts surgery, as well as people who have previously experienced an injury to the affected eye (such as swelling).
Are Eye Flashes and/or Eye Floaters Serious?
As mentioned above, both eye floaters and eye flashes occur for reasons that are natural and typically not serious. However, by no means should this be taken to mean that something serious cannot be their occurrence. The moment you should start to take this more seriously is when you notice that the number of eye floaters has increased substantially over a short span of time, or if you are experiencing many eye flashes, you should consult an optometrist right away. In this situation, it may be indicative that you have a detached or torn retina, which needs to be treated as soon as possible.
The longer you allow a detached or torn retina to go untreated, the worse your vision will become as a result. It may be hard to tell when you are experiencing a detached retina, but in addition to the above-mentioned symptoms, other symptoms that may occur include a shadow over your vision that you can't get rid of, or a loss of peripheral vision.
Get an Eye Exam from an Optometrist at Clinton Eye Associates in Clinton, CT, Today
If you're ready to go, don't wait: Call us at (860) 669-2020 for Clinton Eye Associates in Clinton, CT, today to meet with our optometrist and get an eye exam!