Floaties and flashes of light?!
Question: i am nearsighted and have an extremely strong prescription. my black floaties (which are normal) have been getting worse and my eyes are dryer, and i also get a dropping flashing bright light in my right eye. my eye doctor thinks it nothing, i have read it could be the retina detaching. i am only 20 years old, i have an appointment with a specialist in 3 months (yah, wow) but i am really worried. this happen to anyone?? i am also going to a differant eye doc before this appointment with the specialist for a second opinion.
Answers: i am nearsighted and have an extremely strong prescription. my black floaties (which are normal) have been getting worse and my eyes are dryer, and i also get a dropping flashing bright light in my right eye. my eye doctor thinks it nothing, i have read it could be the retina detaching. i am only 20 years old, i have an appointment with a specialist in 3 months (yah, wow) but i am really worried. this happen to anyone?? i am also going to a differant eye doc before this appointment with the specialist for a second opinion.
This is the deal.
The center of the eye is filled with a substance that's mucous-like, called the vitreous. This vitreous gel is fairly thick in children, but gets thinner or more liquid as we age. It is tightly attached at the front of the eye, around the white part, back about 6 mm or so. This area is called the vitreous base. The front part of the retina is also located here and the irregular edge of the retina at this front part looks sort of like teeth, so it is called the Ora serrata.
As the vitreous gets old, the gel liquefies. This allow it to slosh around as we move our eyes around. In doing so, it'll pull on the front of the retina where it is tightly attached. If it pulls TOO hard, it'll tear the retina. As the retina has blood vessels in it, it can bleed causing you to note more 'floaters'. The tugging on the retina doesn't hurt, but you do sense it as flashes of light.
NEW FLOATERS AND FLASHES OF LIGHT (PHOTOPSIA) are MAJOR signs of a retinal tear. If you get a retinal tear and fluid gets under the tear.... that's called a retinal detachment.
So,
don't call your ophthalmologist, find a retina specialist in the phone book, call and tell them that you are having these symptoms. You should be seen that SAME DAY!
People that are high myopes are at a much higher risk of getting retinal tears or detachments.
If you need more info, contact me. I can give you the phone of a retina specialist who will answer the phone tonight. (actually he'll answer the phone most any night, or day)
I haven't had this happen, but I will tell you that a second opinion is always good. I went through 3 doctors before I was diagnosed with my condition.
YES ! listen to Paul ,you should be seen right away . Flashes of light are not always good. Make sure you are seen right away or call another office. It may be nothing however ... better to be safe than sorry ... we only get one set of eyes .
good luck !