![]() Located at the back of the eye, the retina is attached to the vitreous, the gel-like substance that makes up for most of the eye’s volume. Although these floaters are harmless, it is important to continue to receive regular eye exams to ensure that any permanent changes to your vision do not occur. Most flashes and floaters will become less noticeable with time as patients adjust their vision. Brown can distinguish between harmless flashes and floaters, and those that may require treatment for an underlying condition. ![]() Brown if you experience them, as they may indicate a retinal tear or hole. These spots are most visible when looking at a plain, light background.Īlthough flashes and floaters are common, especially as we age, it is important to see Dr. Floaters occur when fibers move across the vitreous and into your field of vision, causing patients to see specks, strands, webs or other shapes as the fibers cast shadows on the retina. But as we age, the vitreous becomes thinner and more watery, and tissue debris that was once secure in the firm gel can now move around inside the eye, casting shadows on the retina.įlashes in vision occur as a result of pressure on the retina in the back of the eye, and causes patients to see flashing lights or lightning streaks. When we are born, the vitreous is firmly attached to the retina and is a thick, firm substance without much movement. Flashes and Floatersįlashes and floaters are symptoms of the eye that commonly occur as a result of age-related changes to the vitreous gel. Brown will discuss with you the recommended treatment strategy for your specific situation. The best treatment for each patient depends on the severity and location of the blocked vein. Laser photocoagulation and steroid medications may also be used to help improve the retinal edema. Avastin, Lucentis and Macugen are medications that can effectively block VEGF. This often results in improved vision and a better prognosis for future vision. Medications that block VEGF can slow or stop the leakage. VEGF can cause blood vessels to leak, causing swelling in the retina. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a chemical that is produced in the eye in patients with retinal vein occlusions and other eye diseases. Other risk factors may include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, glaucoma and, rarely, blood clotting and inflammatory conditions.Īlthough there is no cure for retinal vein occlusions, there are several treatment options available to help minimize risks, treat symptoms, and prevent further vision loss. This condition is most common in men and women over the age of 50, although the risk continues to increase with age. Retinal vein occlusion, also known as venous stasis retinopathy, can also cause swelling, bleeding and growth of abnormal blood vessels which can in turn lead to other serious eye diseases. The retinal vein carries blood away from the body, and may cause blood to build up and hemorrhage if it is blocked. Blockage of one of these passages is known as occlusion, and can result in sudden vision loss. If these passages or any of the smaller branches connected to them are blocked, blood flow to the retina can become seriously disrupted. Retinal Vein Occlusionīlood and nutrient circulation to and from the surface of the retina is mostly done through one vein and one artery. Treatment for a vitreous hemorrhage may include vitrectomy, cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, or intravitreal injections. Brown will examine your eye along with your medical history to determine the cause of the hemorrhage and then recommend an appropriate treatment. When symptoms occur, it is important for patients to seek prompt medical attention. Severe bleeding can also cause vision to appear blurry, cloudy or hazy. Patients with vitreous hemorrhage usually notice a sudden, significant increase in the number and size of floaters blocking their vision. Normal blood vessels may also rupture, although less common, as a result of force from a retinal tear or detachment. These blood vessels are often fragile and susceptible to leaking blood and fluids.Ī vitreous hemorrhage occurs when one of these blood vessels ruptures and causes bleeding within the vitreous gel, causing visual symptoms. In normal, healthy vitreous gel, there are no blood vessels but diseases such as diabetic retinopathy can lead to the development of new blood vessels which can grow into the vitreous gel. The vitreous is the gel-like substance that makes up approximately two-thirds of the eye’s volume and is located in between the lens in the front of the eye and the retina in the back of the eye.
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