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What Causes Lightening Flashes And Floaters In Eye?
Hi- My wife suddenly started seeing lightning bolts in her left eye last night. This morning she was seeing a dark crescent shape in the same eye along with the lightning bolts. We called the eye doctor and she said she would see her this afternoon but I was scheduled for a foot surgury in another city this morning. She will see her Monday. Is it safe to wait until then?
Wed, 1 Jul 2020
Hi,
Usually these are benign findings that can occur more likely between 50-70 years of age. Floaters are actually tiny particles suspended inside the vitreous part of the eye. The inside cavity of the eyeball is filled with transparent jelly-like material called the "vitreous". Early in life the vitreous has the solid consistency of Jello. With age, it gradually becomes more watery. Some undissolved gel particles occasionally will float around and when they cross our line of vision we notice them in different shape.
These occasional floaters are harmless, but are usually permanent. The only problem is that when these floaters appear suddenly and persist they might be a sign of serious problem like retinal tear or detachment. The sudden appearance of floaters in one eye is the primary symptom of posterior vitreous separation. These floaters usually appear in the vision slightly to the side from where one looks and might be accompanied with flashes of light.
This is why in every case of sudden appear of eye floaters in one eye, a consult with an ophthalmologist is recommended immediately Since your symptoms started only yesterday and you haven't experienced such symptoms before. I would suggest to consult an ophthalmologist just to be safe.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon
Usually these are benign findings that can occur more likely between 50-70 years of age. Floaters are actually tiny particles suspended inside the vitreous part of the eye. The inside cavity of the eyeball is filled with transparent jelly-like material called the "vitreous". Early in life the vitreous has the solid consistency of Jello. With age, it gradually becomes more watery. Some undissolved gel particles occasionally will float around and when they cross our line of vision we notice them in different shape.
These occasional floaters are harmless, but are usually permanent. The only problem is that when these floaters appear suddenly and persist they might be a sign of serious problem like retinal tear or detachment. The sudden appearance of floaters in one eye is the primary symptom of posterior vitreous separation. These floaters usually appear in the vision slightly to the side from where one looks and might be accompanied with flashes of light.
This is why in every case of sudden appear of eye floaters in one eye, a consult with an ophthalmologist is recommended immediately Since your symptoms started only yesterday and you haven't experienced such symptoms before. I would suggest to consult an ophthalmologist just to be safe.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon
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