Floaters
Floaters are actually cellular debris within the vitreous, the jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye. They may be seen as strings, streaks, clouds, bugs, dots, dust, or spider webs. These objects appear to be in front of the eye, but they are really floating in this fluid, and at the same time, casting their shadows on the retina, the light sensing inner layer of the eye. The debris could be made up of blood, torn retinal tissue, inflammation, vitreous detachment, or could simply mean a normal aging change in the vitreous. Floaters could also signify retinal tears that might be threatening for vision loss.

If you see occasional lightning streaks, specks or flashes of light in your field of vision, don’t be alarmed. They are quite common, especially in elderly people. If, however, you suddenly start seeing persistent and repeated jagged lines or flashes of light, see your doctor immediately. Eye flashes are sometimes a symptom of an ocular migraine (also known as a retinal migraine), or a scintillating scotoma. People who suffer from one of these conditions may sometimes see shimmering areas of blindness in their field of vision, and these may sometimes be accompanied by flashes of light. Question: I suddenly began seeing intermittent flashes of orange light in my peripheral vision in my right eyes and only in a darkened situation. First noted while driving my vehicle and thought someone was flashing a laser light into the back seat of my vehicle. Wong, Thanks in advance for this forum. I am a 40 year old male and have for a month or more now had occasional flashes of light out of the peripheral of my left eye. Sometimes the flashes are more frequent than others. Lately, the flashes have been happening about once a week. Aging - As you get older, the vitreous can shrink or change, causing flashes of light. Your likelihood of seeing flashes of light increases with age. Pressure on the retina - Rubbing your eyes too hard or getting hit in the eye can cause the vitreous to bump the retina, causing eye flashers.

The vitreous fluid degenerates during the middle age years, often forming minute debris within the eye. Floaters are also often noticed in people who are nearsighted (myopic), and those who have been operated on for cataract or Yag laser surgery.
Floaters could interfere with reading, and can be quite bothersome. Even though there is no treatment or cure, they may slowly fade out over time. One possible remedy is to move the eyes up and down when a floater appears. The vitreous fluid may shift, thus permitting the floater to move out of the line of vision.

For the most part, floaters are usually nothing to worry about, being simply a result of the normal aging development. Usually it is recommended to see an Ophthalmologist within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, as floaters could also denote a serious eye disease such as retinal detachment. The vitreous covers the retina surface, and sometimes the retina is torn when degenerating vitreous is pulled away. This leads to a small amount of bleeding, which may be interpreted as a new cluster of floaters. A torn retina is serious, and could possibly develop into a retinal detachment. Consequently, any new floaters that appear should be seen and evaluated by a doctor.

Flashers
When the vitreous gel rubs against or pulls on the retina, it can produce the illusion of flashing lights. Flashers can be perceived as a sparkle, disco light, fireflies, lightning, fire works, or sparks. The same experience can happen after being hit in the eye, giving the illusion of seeing stars. All of these flashers are generated by any abnormal stimulus to the retina.

Light flashes can happen on and off for many weeks, or even some months. This is a common occurrence during the aging process, and it is generally not cause for concern. At times, however, a significant number of new floaters will appear, accompanied by light flashes, and partial sight loss of peripheral vision could occur. If this happens, it is important to see an ophthalmologist quickly in order to evaluate whether the cause is a torn retina or retina detachment.

Migraine flashers appear as zigzag, shimmering, or even colorful, lines that may move within the visual field. They usually last from five to thirty minutes and can occur in both eyes at once. Aria poker tournaments summer 2019. They are most likely caused by a sudden spasm of blood vessels in the brain. These flashers are often associated with headache, nausea, or dizziness, but more often occur without such symptoms. In this case, they are commonly called an ophthalmic migraine, or a migraine without the other accompanying symptoms.

As in the case with floaters, an eye specialist should attend to any abrupt onset of an abundance of light flashes. The exam would involve close observation of the retina and vitreous fluid.
Floaters and Flashers are common visual symptoms that can be representative of normal aging changes in the eye or the onset of an eye disease that could lead to vision loss if left unattended. It is always prudent to consult an eye specialist when such vision changes occur.
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Principal source: www.revophth.com

Professional Reference articles are designed for health professionals to use. They are written by UK doctors and based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. You may find one of our health articles more useful.

Treatment of almost all medical conditions has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. NICE has issued rapid update guidelines in relation to many of these. This guidance is changing frequently. Please visit https://www.nice.org.uk/covid-19 to see if there is temporary guidance issued by NICE in relation to the management of this condition, which may vary from the information given below.

Seeing flickering light in peripheral vision

Flashes, Floaters and Haloes

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Floaters are a common complaint, as are flashes to a lesser extent. The two may occur separately or together, depending on the underlying pathology. Haloes are less common. Flashes and floaters are a common complaint in primary care. Most patients have a harmless collapse of the vitreous gel (posterior vitreous detachment). However, some may have a more a serious underlying cause, such as a retinal detachment^[1].

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It is very difficult, without the help of a slit lamp, to determine whether they arise out of the more common, benign causes or whether they are due to one of the less common, sinister causes.

There are some suggestive pointers which will be outlined here which will guide the urgency of the referral; ultimately, most patients will need an ophthalmological review.

Flashes

Otherwise known as 'photopsia', flashes describe the subjective sensation of seeing a light in the absence of an objective stimulus. This may present as scintillating lights, an arc of light or a feeling like a light-bulb has just flashed on and off in the periphery of vision. Flashes are caused by improper stimulation of the eye's retina, or the optic nerve, which the brain interprets as light. This could be traction of the retina, for example.

Aetiology of flashes

Retinal traction
The vitreous is the viscous filling occupying most of the globe. It is loosely attached, at its periphery, to the retina. In some parts, it is more firmly adherent. Any condition which causes it to contract (eg, fibrosis as a primary problem or following haemorrhage, the natural progressive liquefaction that occurs with age) has the potential to result in flashes, as the vitreous pulls on the retina in the process. These conditions include:

Vitreous detachment (may also occur with floaters).
Retinal detachment^[2].
Diabetic retinopathy^[3].
Retinopathy of prematurity^[4].

Occasional Flashes In Peripheral Vision

Central nervous system pathology
Conditions include:

Papilloedema - symptoms tend to be transient, associated with straining or change in posture.
Migraine - classically: gradually enlarging, frequently bilateral, zigzag fortification spectra usu