How Floaters and Flashes Form

The eye has a large cavity in the middle (the vitreous chamber) which is filled with a clear gel and is akin to a fine sponge soaked with mostly water. Light travels through the eye’s lens and through the vitreous chamber, converging onto the retina to form an image. This image is sent to and interpreted by the brain, allowing us to see.

As we age, the sponge gradually loses its ability to hold its water content. By middle age, most people see small dark shapes appearing like hairs, wiggly lines or ‘tadpoles’ floating around in their field of vision. These are called floaters, and are formed as the vitreous gel fibres thicken and clump together to cast a shadow on the retina. Floaters can be stationary or may appear to move with the eye as one looks around.

Flashes are caused when the vitreous chamber, which is normally firmly attached to the retina, shrinks. This pulls and stimulates the retina to produce a flash-like effect, usually in the peripheral vision. These are generally more noticeable at night or in dimly lit environments.

More often than not, floaters and flashes are a nuisance, but not harmful. However, the sudden onset of many new floaters or flashes could be a warning of an impending sight-threatening event, such as a retinal tear or detachment.

Treatment

Options

Flashes do not require treatment if the retina is intact, which can be determined by your Ophthalmologist. However if a retinal break or tear is identified by your specialist, this needs to be treated promptly with laser to seal the area, as failure to treat puts you at a high risk of developing a retinal detachment which can be vision-threatening.

If numerous floaters adversely affect your vision and ability to function, they can be surgically removed via vitrectomy. In this procedure, the vitreous debris perceived as floaters is removed and replaced with clear fluid.

Your Journey

At Queensland Eye & Retina Specialists, our doctor will use state-of-the-art precision equipment to help assess your eye. Our specialist surgeon will then discuss an individualised treatment plan for your best visual outcome.

As with all treatment, there are some risks involved which will be discussed with you at your consultation.