On at least one occasion, you’ve probably had an experience with eye floaters or flashes of light. These common vision problems are just a part of life for most people, but sometimes they are indicators of a more serious eye condition. At Family Vision Center in Bridgeport, CT, they offer a multitude of eye care services, including treatment for eye diseases and injuries.

Here are a few facts about eye floaters and flashes to help people understand when it might be necessary to make a call to their eye doctor to seek treatment for an eye disease:

Why Floaters Occur

Vitreous gel is a clear substance found in the eyes that help them maintain their shape. This gel also allows light to pass through the retina, which is located on the back wall of the eye. As people age, the vitreous gel can either shrink or thicken, and this causes particles to form that block the light passing through the eye, resulting in shadows on the retina. The person then sees “cobweb” or stringy lines in their field of vision.

Why Flashes Occur

When the vitreous gel thickens, it can pull and rub on the retina. This leads to visual effects that appear like a lightning streak or a light flicker. Sometimes flashes are also a precursor to an oncoming migraine headache and will resemble a jagged line or heat shimmer.

When It Might Be Retinal Detachment

Sometimes, as the vitreous gel pulls on the retina, it can cause the retina to tear and detach from the eye. If not treated immediately, this condition could result in permanent vision loss. Symptoms of retinal detachment include an increase in floaters and flashes or experiencing them for the first time, loss of peripheral vision (appears like a curtain on part of the vision), and blurred or distorted vision.

If you’ve noticed an increase of eye floaters or flashes in your vision, call the optometrists at Family Vision Center immediately at (203) 333-2020. You can also visit them online to learn more about their eye care services, and follow them on Facebook to get more tips on identifying and preventing eye diseases.