- Floaters or flashes
- A curtain or veil crossing your vision
- Eye pain
- Sudden or frequent changes in your vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Dry or itchy eyes
1. Floaters and Flashes
Floaters can occur at any age, but are more common as we reach middle age. As we age, the vitreous gel starts to thicken or shrink and forms clumps within the eye. As the vitreous shrinks and pulls away from the back of the eye, it can cause a posterior vitreous detachment, a common cause of floaters. As the vitreous continues to shrink and pull away from the back of the eye, it can create a retinal tear, which may cause a small amount of bleeding and more floaters.
Because a retinal tear can lead to a vision-threatening retinal detachment, you must contact your eye doctor immediately if you notice new or more / increasing floaters, even if you’ve experience them for years. A comprehensive eye exam can determine if the new floaters are caused by a retinal tear or detachment, and prompt treatment of a retinal tear or detachment can preserve your vision.
Flashes occur when the vitreous gel pulls on the retina, causing the appearance of flashing lights or lightening streaks in your vision. Since flashes can also be a symptom of a retinal tear or detachment, you should contact your eye doctor immediately if you are experiencing new or more / increasing flashes. Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss.
If you have floaters and / or flashes, a dilated eye exam as part of a complete eye examination can determine if the cause is a retinal tear or detachment. If not linked to a more serious condition, floaters and flashes are left untreated. However, as these symptoms can signify an optical emergency, contact your eye doctor immediately and have your eyes examined promptly. If a retinal tear or detachment is present, it can be treated within 24 hours to save your vision.
2. Curtain or Veil Crossing Vision
3. Eye Pain
4. Changes in Vision
5. Straight Lines Appearing Wavy
6. Dry or Itchy Eyes
Who to Call If You or a Loved One Experience Any of These 6 Symptoms
We offer complete eye examinations in all five of our offices on the South Shore and Cape Cod. If you experience any of these conditions outside of our regular office hours, please call our main number and leave a message with our answering service, who will contact the eye doctor on call.