Our eye is normally filled with a jelly like substance called the Vitreous.  The Vitreous is located behind the lens and is attached to the retina by the posterior vitreous membrane. As we get older (which may be between 30 to 50 years), the vitreous may liquify (known as vitreous detachment, degeneration or syneresis).  This results in small clumps of jelly suspended in the semi-jelly fluid which casts a shadow your field of vision.  This is known as Floaters.

Characteristic of Floaters

• They can be a variety of shapes such as dots, hair-like, wavy lines, fly or cob-web shaped
• They appear to move when you move your eye
• They can be more obvious in the mornings
• They are more obvious when your look at a white background such as the sky or paper or computer screen
• They can disappear and reappear
• They appear to change shape

Retina Holes or Tears

Sometimes when the vitreous pulls on the retina, it may result in you to seeing flashing lights. The light flashes are more obvious at night or in a dark room.  In around 3-5%, this tugging may result in a retina hole or tear.  When the happens, there is usually a sudden increase in the amount of floaters in your eye accompanied by these flashing lights symptoms.

A retinal hole or tear is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention because if untreated, it may progress to a retina detachment resulting in loss of vision or even blindness. People at risk include eye trauma (hit by squash ball or shuttlecock), high myopia (more than -6.00 Dioptres) or previous complicated eye surgeries.

Consult an Eye Specialist when you develop SUDDEN ONSET of floaters WITH FLASHING LIGHTS

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