Flashes and Floaters (Posterior Vitreous Detachment)

[Guest guest]

Flashes and Floaters (Posterior Vitreous Detachment)

http://www.stlukesretina.com/html/retina_conditions.html

Flashes and floaters usually occur as a result of posterior vitreous

detachment (PVD). This is a very common condition that occurs when

the vitreous separates from the back of the eye, typically as a

result of the aging process. PVD is usually harmless.

Floaters are caused by tiny bits of vitreous gel or cells that cast

shadows on the retina. Flashes occur when the vitreous pulls on

sensitive retinal tissue.

Occasionally, floaters and flashes can be an indication of a more

serious problem than PVD. Other possible causes include: retinal

tears, retinal detachment, infection, inflammation, hemorrhage, and

eye injury. Occasionally, flashes of light are caused by migraine

headaches. When related to a headache, they usually appear in both

eyes and last for 20-30 minutes before the headache starts.

Signs and Symptoms

Black spots or " spider webs " that seem to float in a cluster or

alone

Spots that move or remain suspended in one place

Flickering or flashing lights that are most prominent when looking

at a bright background like a clear, blue sky

Symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem

Sudden decrease of vision along with flashes and floaters

Veil or curtain that obstructs part or all of the vision

Sudden increase in the number of floaters

Eye Floater Treatment at our Florida Practice

Surgery is not necessary for most patients with floaters or flashes.

Often, floaters become less noticeable over time as they settle

below the line of sight. In cases where floaters are significantly

obstructing vision, your doctor may suggest surgical eye floater

treatment at our Florida center. A vitrectomy may be performed. If

flashes and floaters are related to a problem other than a PVD,

another form of surgery may be required. For more information about

eye floater treatment, contact our Tampa Bay area practice.

back to top

Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome

Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus commonly found in the dust and

soil of the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley region. About 62 percent

of all adults living in this region are carriers of the syndrome.

Men and women are equally affected.

Histoplasmosis is contracted by inhaling dust that carries the

fungal spores. The effect of the syndrome on the body varies greatly

from one person to another. Many carriers have no symptoms at all,

while others experience flu-like symptoms and mild respiratory

infections. People who already have a weakened immune system are

more likely to be seriously effected by histoplasmosis.

The fungus can affect the eye by causing small areas of inflammation

and scarring of the retina. These are called " histo spots " and can

occur in both eyes. The affect of histo spots on vision depends on

their location. Spots in the peripheral area of the retina may have

little or no impact on vision, while those located in the center of

the macula may cause prominent blind spots.

Most people with histo spots in the retina are completely unaware of

their presence unless the central vision is affected. Studies

indicate that only about 5 percent of people with histo spots are at

risk of losing vision.

Signs and Symptoms

Many patients with histo spots have no symptoms. Others may

experience the following:

Distorted vision

Blind spots

Scars in the retina, ranging in severity

Histoplasmosis Treatment at our Florida Practice

Often, ocular histoplasmosis does not require any treatment from our

Florida retina surgeons. If you are diagnosed with this condition,

your doctor will probably recommend that you closely monitor your

central vision with an Amsler grid. When the condition causes

abnormal blood vessels to develop in the central retina, laser

treatment may be used. In some cases, surgical removal of the tiny,

abnormal vessels has been successful. For more information about

histoplasmosis diagnosis and treatment, contact our eye care center

in Florida.

Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis)

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an

inflammatory condition that affects the medium-sized blood vessels

that supply the head, eyes, and optic nerves. Patients with temporal

arteritis experience swelling and tenderness in the blood vessel of

the temple and scalp. The disease is most common in people over age

60 and affects women about four times more than it affects men.

If allowed to progress, temporal arteritis can be sight threatening.

Vision loss occurs when the inflamed arteries obstruct blood flow to

the eyes and optic nerves. Temporal arteritis may also start to

affect arteries in other areas of the body. Prompt treatment of

this condition is essential to prevent permanent vision loss and

other health problems.

Signs and Symptoms

Patients with temporal arteritis usually notice visual symptoms in

one eye at first, but many notice symptoms in the fellow eye within

days if the condition is untreated. The following are some of the

most common warning signs of the condition:

Headache

Tenderness of scalp (combing hair may be painful)

Pain in temple area (may be excruciating)

Transient blurred vision

Loss of appetite

Fever

Fatigue

Depression

Drooping lid

Double vision

Sore neck

Jaw soreness, especially when chewing food

[Guest guest]

thanks KC,

--- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2c@...>

wrote:

>

> Flashes and Floaters (Posterior Vitreous Detachment)

>

> http://www.stlukesretina.com/html/retina_conditions.html

>

>

>