Because the eyes are the windows to the soul and are also an important organ of the body that requires care and attention and cannot be overlooked. Even a slight abnormality can be a dangerous sign for the eyes.
It is believed that many people have experienced or are currently experiencing symptoms like having floaters, spider webs, or seeing small black spots floating in one or both eyes. Some may also feel like there are flashes of blue light in the eyes, causing concern about whether there is something wrong with the eyes or if it could lead to blindness. In fact, these symptoms can be caused by several conditions such as:
- Vitreous degeneration, which is the most common cause
- Bleeding in the vitreous from various causes such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, or eye trauma
- Severe inflammation in the eye
Some people may think that vitreous degeneration is harmless and does not require treatment just because they see floaters moving around. If these fibers float in the central vision, they only block the light entering the eye; if they float to the periphery, they do not block vision. Initially, it may be annoying, but over time, people get used to it. However, the problem is that some people may develop retinal tears, which can lead to retinal detachment and blindness. This requires eye surgery, and even after treatment, vision often does not return to normal.
Why can this condition cause blindness?
Because the vitreous and the retina, which were originally attached, are loosely attached in some areas and tightly attached in others, especially around the edges of the retina, debris in the vitreous can pull or tug on the retina. This causes signals to be sent to the brain, making us see flashes of light (flashing) in our own eyes, often noticed in the evening or when glancing sideways. This is a very dangerous sign. If the retina is pulled hard enough to tear, it may cause bleeding into the vitreous, which can blur vision. Additionally, when there is a retinal tear, fluid from the vitreous can pass through the tear and separate the retina from the eye wall, called retinal detachment (RETINAL DETACHMENT).
What should you do if you see floaters or flashes?
Since it is impossible to know whether floaters or flashes in the eyes will lead to retinal tears, it is recommended to see an ophthalmologist for a proper diagnosis.
Recommendations for eye examination
Retinal examination usually requires dilating eye drops. These drops cause blurred vision and light sensitivity for 4-6 hours, so it is advisable to bring sunglasses to wear after the examination.
Dr. Chanthana Sakunramrung
Head of Ophthalmology Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
