Flashes and Floaters Treatment in The Villages
Noticing flashes of light or floaters in your vision? It’s something that many people experience, but it’s important to understand why it’s happening and what you can do about it. At the Center for Retina and Macular Disease in The Villages, we’ve got your back. We provide specialized care to help you tackle these symptoms and prevent any potential problems down the line.
What Are Flashes and Floaters?
As we age, the vitreous gel inside our eyes naturally starts to shrink and pull away from the retina, which is totally normal. In fact, about 90 to 95% of people will go through this process called posterior vitreous detachment. When the vitreous gel separates, it can cause a slight pull on the retina, which is often why people notice flashes of light or even lightning-like streaks in their vision. These are known as eye flashes or occasional flashes.
As the vitreous gel keeps collapsing, you might also see eye floaters. These are little clumps of collagen and cells that float around inside the eye, casting shadows on the retina. They’re usually most noticeable when you’re looking at bright, clear backgrounds, like a blue sky. Though they might seem concerning, these are a normal part of the aging process.
Causes of Flashes and Floaters
Floaters are usually harmless, but there’s a chance they could point to a bigger problem. As the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina, it can sometimes cause a small tear in the retina. If it’s not taken care of, that tear can lead to a retinal detachment.
A retinal detachment happens when fluid from the front of the eye flows through the tear and gets underneath the retina, causing it to lift away from where it should be. This is considered a medical emergency since, if untreated, it could lead to permanent vision loss. Factors like cataract surgery can increase the risk of retinal detachment, so it’s important to keep an eye on your vision and seek help if things don’t seem right.
Symptoms of a Retinal Tear Can Include:
- Sudden decrease in vision clarity
- Spots or lines appearing in vision
- Sudden onset of floaters
- Flashes of light in peripheral vision
- Blurred or distorted vision
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment Can Include:
- Sudden flashes of light
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Peripheral vision loss in one area
- A shadow or curtain over part of your vision
Should these symptoms manifest, getting medical attention as soon as possible is essential for your well-being.
Treatment for Retinal Tear and Retinal Detachment in The Villages
Once a retinal tear or detachment is diagnosed, treatment should begin as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. Several different treatment options are available to address a detachment, and the likelihood of recovering vision depends on how long the retina was detached before the procedure. In some cases, more than one surgery may be necessary to achieve full retinal reattachment.
Treatment Options Can Include:
- Laser Surgery: A laser is used to make small burns around the tear, creating a seal and preventing fluid from leaking through.
- Cryopexy: A freezing probe is applied to the outer eye to freeze the area around the tear, creating a scar that helps to seal it.
- Pneumatic Retinopexy: A gas bubble is injected into the eye to help press the retina back into position. The patient may need to maintain a specific head position for an extended period to ensure the bubble stays in place.
- Vitrectomy: The vitreous gel, along with any debris or blood, is removed, and a clear solution is used to help reattach the retina. This approach is often used when there is a lot of scar tissue.
- Scleral Buckle: A silicone band is stitched around the eye to support the retina’s reattachment, often used alongside other treatments such as laser surgery, cryopexy, and/or vitrectomy.
Your ophthalmologist will determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition based on the severity of the detachment and other factors specific to you.
Potential Risks
While treating retinal tears and detachments does involve some risks, including the possibility of infection, raised intraocular pressure, and the need for additional surgeries, the benefits often outweigh these potential complications. The primary goal is to prevent permanent vision loss, and at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, our dedicated team takes every precaution to reduce these risks and offer the safest, most effective treatments.
Signs You Should Meet with an Eye Specialist in the Center for Retina and Macular Disease in The Villages
Should you experience any of the following, it’s essential to seek immediate evaluation and treatment:
- Sudden flashes of light or an increase in floaters
- A shadow or curtain over a portion of your vision
- A marked change in the number or size of floaters
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Trouble seeing in low-light conditions
Flashes and Floaters Treatment with Center for Retina and Macular Disease
At the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, we specialize in diagnosing and treating flashes, floaters, and other retinal conditions. Through the use of advanced techniques and personalized care, we work to pinpoint the causes of your symptoms and reduce the risk of complications like retinal detachment. Our experienced team of eye specialists provides comprehensive care, ensuring each patient receives the best possible treatment tailored to their needs.
If you’re ready to address your flashes and floaters with professional guidance, contact the Center for Retina and Macular Disease in The Villages today to schedule a consultation.