Suggest Remedy For Floaters And Flashes In Eyes

Posted on Fri, 21 Nov 2014

Question: Hi, I am a 29 year old male, non smoker, no addictions. I'm physically fit and active. About 2 years ago I developed eye floaters, one in each eye, I didn't think much of it, thought it just came with age. Fast forward to present, I started having bright flashes in my eyes after I lay down. The flashes have been so intense that they jolt me awake just as I'm dosing off. I never really payed close attention to my eyes until these issues started, I looked closely in the mirror and noticed blotches of yellow/brown discoloration in the white part of both eyes. I don't know how long the discoloration has been there or even if its normal. Also as I'm doing exercises I notice what seems to be a light on the outer most edges of my vision, it lasts a few seconds and goes away. Not sure if any of this is normal or if I should see a doctor. Any input is much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Floaters and flashes require evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care magic

I am Dr. DADAPEER K, an Ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye.

I reviewed your history. It seems from the history that you are having floaters and flashes of light. These symptoms usually indicate problems in the posterior segment of the eye mainly in the vitreous which lies behind the lens in the eye.
The most common cause for flashes and floaters of light is vitreous degenerations and vitreous opacities. Vitreous degeneration by itself does not require treatment and it is a benign condition and it does not cause any problems .
Vitreous degeneration usually occurs after the age of 50-60 years and it occurs in young individuals in case of high refractive errors like myopia.
Since you are not having any refractive errors and you are only 29 years old, examination by a ophthalmologist is required to look for other rare but causes which require treatment like retinal tear, retinal thinning....

Hence I advice you to consult your ophthalmologist for evaluation of posterior segment of the eye by simple office tests like indirect ophthalmoscopy.

The discoloration of the white part of the eye is a normal event and no need to worry. If you are having other symptoms like itching, watering, redness..., then it indicates eye allergy and requires treatment. If you are not having other symptoms then no need to worry about the discoloration of the eye.

Hope the information is helpful to you.

Thank you
With regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar