Spots, Floaters and Flashes in the Eye

What are Spots, Floaters and Flashes in the Eye?

Spots and floaters are semi-transparent specks of natural materials inside the eye, which may appear to drift or float across your field of vision.

Some patients say that they look like cobwebs or threads, and they can be particularly noticeable when looking at a plain, bright background like a white wall or clear sky. Interestingly, while they may seem to be in front of the eye, they are actually floating inside it!

Spots and floaters become more common as we age – but the good news is they are usually harmless and do not require treatment.

However, if they are affecting your vision or if you are seeing flashes in the eye it may indicate a more serious problem, so it’s important to see your local optometrist for a thorough eye exam.

The Cause of Floaters and Flashes in the Eye

Spots and floaters are caused by tiny bits of material that clump together within the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance inside your eye attached to your retina. As we age, the vitreous tends to liquefy and shrink, leading to the formation of these clumps. The shadows these clumps cast on the retina are what you perceive as floaters.

Often the cause is simply the natural ageing process; however if flashes or ‘stars’ accompany the floaters and spots, the cause may be:

1. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): This occurs when the vitreous gel detaches from the retina, typically in people over 50.
2. Retinal Tears or Detachment: If floaters are accompanied by light flashes, it may mean a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
3. Inflammation: Conditions such as uveitis (inflammation in the eye) may cause floaters.
4. Haemorrhages: Bleeding within the eye due to conditions like diabetic retinopathy may lead to floaters and spots in your vision.

Should I Worry if I Have Spots and Floaters?

In most cases, floaters are harmless. However, there are certain symptoms that require urgent attention:

• Sudden Onset: A sudden increase in the number of floaters and spots, especially if accompanied by flashes of light.
• Peripheral Shadows: The appearance of a shadow or curtain over part of your vision.
• Eye Pain or Redness: Floaters associated with significant eye discomfort.

How are Spots and Floaters Treated?

For most people, no treatment is necessary (1).

However if they are significantly interfering with your vision, our experienced optometrists might suggest one of the following treatments:

1. Observation: Regular monitoring to ensure floaters are not associated with more serious conditions.
2. Laser Vitreolysis: This eye floaters laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure where a laser is used to break up floaters, making them less noticeable (2).
3. Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure where the vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a saline solution. This is typically reserved for severe cases due to the risks involved, such as retinal detachment and cataract formation (3).

Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining eye health and catching any potential problems early. If you are at all concerned about spots or floaters, a full eye examination will determine the cause and whether any follow-up is needed. Please don’t hesitate to book an eye exam with our highly experienced optometrists in Brisbane today!

References:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1529183909005247
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S003962571530014X
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2162098923002153