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Flashes and Floaters
Posted by: Scott and Christie Eyecare Associates in Conditions
FLOATERS:
Floaters are very common and usually are harmless. Floaters are tiny spots that drift around in your field of vision. Eye floaters come in various shapes and sizes, They are caused by a break down of the vitreous which is a gel-like part of the eye located in between the lens and
the retina. Then these broken down pieces of the vitreous are the floaters. Seeing floaters from time to time is not a concern, but if you see a shower of floaters as well as flashes of light, you should immediately seek medical attention.
FLASHES:
Usually, light enters the eye and stimulates the retina. This produces an electric impulse, which the optic nerve transmits to the brain. The brain then interprets this impulse as light or some type of image. When this occurs it is known as Flashes. Sometimes these flashes can appear as lines that last up to 20 minutes. Flashes (photopsias) also may occur after a blow to the head that is capable of shaking the vitreous gel inside the eye. When this occurs, the phenomenon sometimes is called “seeing stars.” If a headache follows the flashes, it is called a migraine headache. Here at Scott and Christie Eyecare Associates, our doctors take every case of flashes they see seriously to make sure that you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Visit our contact us page to schedule an appointment. Scott and Christie Eyecare Associates is located in Pittsburgh and Cranberry.