Flashers & Floaters Treatment in Airdrie

The retina is a very sensitive system of tissues covering most of the interior of the eye. When light hits these tissues, it stimulates the retina to send an impulse through the optic nerve. The impulse travels up to the brain where it is then interpreted as an image. Because the retina is so sensitive any sudden movement or slight touch is enough to stimulate it.

A flash is just a visual representation of your retina being stimulated. As we age, the vitreous often starts to shrink away from the retina; sometimes tugging on the retina as it does. This gentle tug is enough to stimulate the retina, sending an impulse through the optic nerve to the brain. The brain then interprets this impulse as a flash of light.

Hard impact and sudden movement can also be enough to trigger a flash. For example, if you hit your head, you’ll most likely see a flash. This is because the impact jostled the retina, stimulating it.

If you start to notice flashes coming in repeated waves, it most likely indicates a problem. This is especially true if you experience flashes in conjunction with a downward shower of flashes, as this is typically what happens during a retinal detachment or tear. If you notice repeating waves of flashes and a sudden increase in floaters, you need to get medical help right away.