Floaters
Eye Floaters / Retinal Holes, Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachments
Floaters
Eye floaters can be common, people see small moving spots or clouds which appear in their field of vision. They tend to be more noticeable when you look at bright light. Most floaters are not dangerous, and are caused by tiny pieces of tissue inside of the eye. When light hits these tiny piece of tissue it creates shadows on the retina that make give the appearance of a cloud like objects floating across your field of vision. The floater may seem like they are on the front section of your eye but they are inside your eye. Many people experience floater and many times are not an issue. However, a sudden increase of floaters may indicate a problem and having an eye examination is recommended.
Have you seen specks floating in your vision? These are called floaters and are typically harmless. However, if you experience flashing lights and an increased number of floaters, it could signify a problem. Speak with us today to learn more about this condition.
Retinal Holes
As you age the vitreous gel inside of your eye shrinks, and over time as it shrinks a small portion of your rental tissue may tear off of the retina. It is not something you will feel, this is called a retinal hole. Normally the vitreous gel in the middle of your eye begins to change when you’re about 40 or 50 years old. You many see an increase of floaters in your field of vision. Some people experience dark patches their vision. In some cases you may not experience any symptoms at all. The eye condition requires that you have routine eye exam with your ophthalmologist. It is important that you seek medical treatment for this condition if left untreated retinal holes can lead to serious damage to your vision.
Video shows how the vitreous shrinks over time, possibly tearing off a portion of the retina in the process, leading to possible vision changes. Routine check-ups are advised to avoid severe damage.
Over the course of an individual’s lifetime, the vitreous inside of the eye shrinks. As it continues to shrink, a small portion of retinal tissue may be torn off of the retina, leading to a retinal hole. You might see floaters or dark patches in your vision, or you may not experience any symptoms at all. This condition requires routine check-ups with your eye-care professional. If left untreated, retinal holes can lead to severe damage to your vision.
Retinal Tears / Detachments
A retinal tear or detachment is a very serious eye condition. During our normal aging process the vitreous gel in our eye begins to shrink and while it shrinks a section of the retinal tissue may stay attached pulling on the retina and can cause the retina to tear. If your experience a tear you will experience changes in your vision, you may see flashes of light, and increase of floaters in your field of vision. If the tear is left untreated fluid from within the eye passes through the tear and can cause a retinal detachment. This is a very serious eye condition and if you experience changes in your vision you should contact our office and have Dr. Roberts examine your eyes. If the tear is caught early enough before a full detachment occurs a laser procedure can be performed that can prevent more serious retinal detachment operation.
The video explains how the vitreous shrinks over time, possibly tearing the retina in the process, leading to vision changes. Routine check-ups are advised to avoid severe damage.
Over the course of an individual’s lifetime, the vitreous inside of the eye shrinks. As it continues to shrink, a portion of retinal tissue may stay attached to the vitreous, leading to a retinal tear. If a tear forms in the retina, you may notice slight changes in your vision such as flashes or floaters. This condition requires routine check-ups with your eye-care professional. If left untreated, retinal tears can lead to severe damage to your vision.
If you are experiencing vision issues you should contact Dr. Roberts at Shady Grove Ophthalmology today to schedule an eye exam and evaluation right away.
Our Practice
At Shady Grove Ophthalmology, we understand the importance of your vision. Dr. Anthony O. Roberts is committed to using some of the most advanced technology available for vision correction, cataract removal, and treatment of eye disease. With innovative laser systems, multi-focal intraocular lens implants, and state-of-the-art techniques for cataract surgery, Dr. Roberts aims to give all of our patients the safest, most effective eye treatments. Our entire office staff prides itself on delivering personalized premium quality eye care to all our patients.
