What are flashers and floaters?
Flashers are streaks of light, or star like images that actually don’t exist. These flashes are normally seen in a single eye at a time. Flashers normally occur when the gel like filling inside the eye pulls on the retina, the membrane that is in the inside of the eye.
Flashers occur in ageing people or people with short sight.
Floaters are dark specs or clouds that move across your field of vision. You most often notice then when you start at a plain background or at the sky. These are actually caused by small clumps of cells or gel inside the jelly like liquid that fills the inside of the eye. Floaters may appear as strings, webs or other shapes. Normally floater appear as you age. Eye accidents can also cause floaters. If they suddenly appear or increase in number, they could be an indication of some other serious eye disease. An eye examination by a ophthalmologist is required to find out the true cause and seriousness of the condition.
What conditions indicate the necessity of a professional investigation?
- Sudden appearance or increase in the amount of floaters and flashers.
- Change in the shape or appearance of the flashers and floaters seen normally by you.
- Obstruction caused to normal working due to these flashers and floaters.