UNCOVER THE CAUSES OF EYE FLASHES AND FLOATERS

Age may be the common cause of visual disturbances like eye floaters and flashes; however, they could also be signs of a more severe eye condition.  As previously discussed, they can occur together or individually. Therefore, we will discuss their causes individually for your reference.

CAUSES OF FLOATERS.

In the eyeball, two kinds of fluid fill up the spaces in the eye; the front part is filled with aqueous humor (watery fluid), while the posterior contains the Vitreous gel (a gel-like fluid). In an ideal state, these fluids are clear and spotless, but certain conditions can cause them to begin to contain particles, which we call Floaters.

CAUSES OF FLASHES

At the back of the eye, where the Vitreous gel is, for it does not move around. It is attached to certain areas of the back of the eye (retina). If the areas of adhesion are weak, a pulling effect commences on that area, causing a toggling pressure on the retina, which will cause flashes of light to be perceived by the individual.

SOME EYE CONDITIONS OR FACTORS THAT CAN CAUSE FLOATERS AND FLASHES OF LIGHT.

They Include;

1) Posterior vitreous detachment: Posterior vitreous detachment is the most common cause of acute-onset floaters or flashes of light. In posterior vitreous detachment, the vitreous, that is, gel in the eye, shrinks and detaches from the retina, leading to symptoms of floaters or flashes.

2) Retinal detachment: a severe condition that can cause partial or complete vision loss. The retina detaches, shifts, or moves away from the back wall of the eye.

3) Pressure on the retina: This happens when you rub your eyes, cough too hard, or get hit on the head. You may notice flashes of light due to extra pressure on the retina.

4) Injury: An injury directly to your eye may cause you to see flashes or “stars” due to pressure on the retina.

5) Medication: Some medications may cause flashes or floaters in your eyes.

6) Aging: the natural process of aging causes the vitreous gel to shrink or change, leading to flashes or floaters of light.

Here is where we wrap up this post. See you in our next post. Prioritize your eyes by visiting TREETOP VISION EYE CENTER (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako Abuja, for a comprehensive eye checkup.

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