Expert Care for Flashes and Floaters in Southbury
Visual disturbances like floaters and flashes are common, especially among older individuals. While often harmless, these seemingly minor issues occasionally signal underlying problems that demand attention and care. ReFocus Eye Health can determine the underlying cause of these visual anomalies and provide guidance to keep your vision clear and uninterrupted.
Understanding These Visual Anomalies
Eye floaters are tiny specks or cobweb-like strings that drift or float across your field of vision. They appear when the gel-like substance in the eye, called vitreous, shrinks and clumps together. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, causing the perception of floaters in your vision.
Flashes are brief sensations of bright and flickering lights that appear in your visual field. They often occur when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls or tugs on the retina. This mechanical stimulation sends signals to the brain, creating the perception of light flashes.
Possible Causes of Flashes and Floaters
Eye flashes and floaters can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Aging
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Trauma to the eye
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Certain eye surgeries
- Inflammation in the eyes
- Certain types of migraines
- Retinal tears or detachment
While floaters and occasional flashes are usually harmless and a natural part of aging, the sudden onset of many floaters or persistent flashes could indicate a more severe condition. It’s important to have any sudden changes in your vision evaluated by an eye care professional.
Strategies to Manage Flashes and Floaters
Most floaters and flashes are harmless and don’t require treatment. However, if you experience a sudden or significant increase, it’s important to book an eye exam as it could indicate a more severe problem, like retinal detachment.
In most cases, floaters and flashes can be managed with conservative measures, like monitoring and adapting to them. If your case is more severe, vitrectomy surgery may be necessary.
ReFocus Eye Health specializes in assessing and managing flashes and floaters, ensuring personalized care that puts your vision and peace of mind first.
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