The eye is filled with a clear jelly like substance called the vitreous. The vitreous is loosely attached to the inner wall of the eye, the
retina. As we age the jelly (vitreous) dries and shrinks. This can
cause traction at the vitreous's attachments to the retina stimulating the
retina, causing flashing lights. The shrinkage also causes particle
formation in the clear jelly (vitreous) that we see as floaters. This
comment phenomena is called a posterior vitreous detachment. Rarely a
retinal detachment can occur during the process. Thus when these symptoms
occur one must contact their eye care professional or go to the emergency
room.
Here is more information on flashes & floaters in an audiovisual format . |
