Floaters and Flashes are a symptom of the natural aging of the vitreous gel in the eye. The eyeball is filled with gel and liquid and as we grow older, the gel becomes more liquid. Normal floaters are caused by vitreous degeneration. But the presence of new floaters or flashes of light may signal a sight threatening event. As the gel separates from the retina, it may pull on the retina which can lead to the sensation of light flashes. In some cases, the pulling may cause a retinal tear or a blood vessel may tear leading to the sensation of large floaters. A patient with new floaters or flashes should be examined promptly since these signs may indicate a retinal tear. With early diagnosis the tear may be treated with laser surgery or a freezing therapy termed cryotherapy. This will reduce the chance of the tear progressing to a retinal detachment.

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