Eye Disorders: Vitreous Flashes and Floaters
Floaters are tiny clumps of cells or condensations that accumulate in the vitreous, which is the jelly that fills up the inside of the eye. They are more common with age, with most people experiencing floaters at some time during their lives. They move within the vitreous, making them appear to "float" through the vision.
During one's life the vitreous Flashes are caused by the vitreous pulling on the retina, which it lies against and is attached to in certain places
Floaters may appear as dots, cobwebs, circles, worms, or clouds that float through the vision. They are most visible against a bright background (like the sky) because we are actually seeing the shadow they cast on the retina.
Can flashes and floaters be serious?
The most common cause of flashes and floaters is an event called "posterior vitreous separation." This is when the back of vitreous pulls away from the retina. This is a normal but important event, because of the increased risk of a retinal tear or detachment around this time. Any patient with new floaters, a sudden change in old floaters, or new flashes should be examined for retinal tears or detachments within 24-48 hours. Also, there are potentially other causes of these symptoms that should be checked.
How are floaters treated?
Typically floaters go away within weeks or months. They are usually still in the eye, but not in the central vision anymore, or we have learned to ignore them. Occasionally they can be a significant source of blurry vision if large or located directly in the line of sight. In this case, a vitrectomy (removal of vitreous and floaters) may be considered.
More information about a posterior vitreous separation, and flashes and floaters, can be found at the National Eye Institute's website