Have you ever noticed small specks or flashes of light across your vision? These visual disturbances, known as floaters and flashing lights, can be quite common yet sometimes indicate underlying eye issues that require attention. Let’s take a closer look into what they are, when to be concerned, and why seeking the expertise of a specialist like Miss Anna Grabowska can help to ensure they don’t become a more serious issue.
What are Floaters?
Floaters are tiny, shadowy shapes that drift through your field of vision. They can resemble specks, clouds, or even cobwebs. They are typically more noticeable when looking at a plain background like a clear sky or a blank wall. Floaters are caused by tiny clumps of a gel-like substance called vitreous that fills the inside of your eye. As we age, this gel can shrink and become more liquid-based, causing strands and clumps to form and cast shadows on the retina – the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.
While most floaters are harmless and can fade over time, they can sometimes indicate a more serious condition. For instance, sudden onset of numerous floaters, especially accompanied by flashes of light or peripheral vision loss, could suggest a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.
What are Flashing Lights?
Flashing lights, also known as photopsia, are brief flashes or arcs of light that appear in your vision. These lights can occur on their own or alongside floaters and are typically caused by the stimulation of the retina. This stimulation might happen due to the vitreous pulling on the retina or in more serious cases, like retinal tears or migraines.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
While floaters and flashing lights are often nothing serious, there are certain symptoms that should prompt a visit to an ophthalmologist:
- Sudden Onset: If you suddenly notice new floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a curtain-like shadow in your peripheral vision, seek immediate medical attention.
- Increase in Frequency: A sudden increase in the frequency of flashing lights or floaters can also indicate a problem.
- Vision Changes: Any sudden loss of vision, particularly if it’s accompanied by eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light, warrants prompt evaluation by an eye specialist.
Appointments with Miss Anna Grabowska
Miss Anna Grabowska, a renowned retina eye surgeon in London, is a specialist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating various eye conditions, including those related to floaters and flashing lights. Her expertise and commitment to patient care make her a trusted name in the field.
If you have concerns about symptoms or changes in your vision, booking an appointment is your first step to the right treatment.