Floaters and flashers impair vision, and may be symptomatic of a more serious eye condition. If you experience persistent or progressively worsening floaters or flashers, you should visit an eye doctor or ophthalmologist in Chicago for eye care as soon as possible. Both floaters and flashers result from changes to the vitreous fluid caused by aging.
Floaters appear as small, moving specks that interfere with your vision. They are caused by the movement of small cells or clumps of material in the vitreous fluid that cast shadows on the retina. Flashers appear as sudden and swift flashes or streaks of light, which may occur intermittently and persistently for several weeks.
As you age, the vitreous fluid shrinks, forming clumps or strands. If it detaches from the wall of the eye, known as posterior vitreous attachment, you’ll experience floaters and flashers. If you’ve sustained an eye injury, are over 45, or have severe nearsightedness, you should visit an eye doctor or ophthalmologist immediately after a sudden increase in floaters or flashers, loss of peripheral vision, or a sudden need for vision correction. These may be symptoms of retinal detachment, which may cause blindness.