Causes & Risk of Floaters & Flashes


Eye floaters are mostly caused by age related changes that occur within the vitreous of the eye. They occur more in people 40 years and above or who are nearsighted. They can also occur after cataract or laser surgeries on the eye, diabetic retinopathy, eye trauma or as a result of inflammation inside the eyeball. Any condition that can result in inflammatory reactions within the eye may cause floaters and eye flashes.  Some research has also suggested a hereditary connection.

Floaters are noticed when light rays enter the eye and hit the particles, this creates a shadow on the retina perceived as spots in front of the eye. When this occurs, it may seem like you can see arc or crescent shaped flashes usually described as flashes of lightning. Floaters are more noticeable when looking at a background that is bright and plain such as a white board or wall. These flashes may occur from time to time, for several weeks and months, but sometimes they disappear quite quickly.

Flashes of light can also occur when thickened micro-fibres begin to rub or pull on the retina, sometimes there is partial pulling away of vitreous from the retina causing an increase in the amount of new floaters seen, this has been claimed to be small blood particles let out of tiny blood vessels in the area during the vitreous tear. The pulling away of part of the vitreous from the retina is not known to cause loss of sight, it may however precede a retinal tear or detachment which will normally present like flashes of light but can lead to sight loss if not given urgent attention. Full retinal detachment will lead to permanent loss of sight.

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