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Vitreous Floaters

Q: I've never had vision problems in the past, but recently I've noticed these odd zigzag shapes in the corner of my left eye. What's really strange is that they seem to move with my eyes until they slide out of sight and disappear, only to reappear days later. What are they, and should I be concerned?


Dr. Donnica:
Any change in vision should be evaluated sooner rather than later by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor). It is possible that you are experiencing something called "vitreous floaters," small specks moving in your field of vision. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of cells inside the vitreous, the clear jelly-like fluid inside your eye. Because they are inside the eye, they move with your eyes when you try to see them. Sometimes vitreous floaters are accompanied by flashes of light. This may be a warning sign of a detached retina, which requires medical evaluation. Occasionally, some people may experience flashes of light that look like jagged lines in both eyes, which may last up to 20 minutes. These flashes result from a spasm of blood vessels in the brain. When accompanied by a headache, this is called a migraine. There are situations in which these jagged lines or waves can occur without a headache; this is called an "ophthalmic migraine."


Created: 10/29/2004  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.


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