English
中文
ဗမာစာ
Floater and lightning flashes are due to ageing changes in the vitreous gel of the eye. The transparent gel of the eye occupies the space in the middle of the eyeball, and is adherent to the surface of the retina (nerve layer) of the eye.
Floaters look like flies, spider webs, wavy lines or shapes that float in and out of the visual field with eye movements. They are not uncommon after the age of 40 years, as the vitreous gel starts to degenerate. Younger individuals, especially those who are short-sighted, may also develop floaters if their vitreous gel starts degenerating earlier.
Lightning flashes often accompany floaters. This is because during the process of vitreous gel degeneration, the sticky shrinks and peels away from the surface of the retina. Areas that do not peel off easily may pull on the retina and give rise to lightning flashes.
Floaters may be more obvious in certain lighting conditions or when looking at a light colored background.
Eye floaters and lightning flashes are often seen during the natural ageing process. They are often benign and do not require treatment. Floaters become less obvious with time as the brain learns to ignore them; lightning flashes will stop once the gel separates from the retina.
Unfortunately, rapid or abnormal gel degeneration may sometimes result in retinal tears which can lead to retinal detachments. Therefore, even though floaters and lightning flashes are usually harmless, they should be taken seriously as they may indicate a potentially serious condition.