CALL US NOW! 303-776-3937
CALL US NOW! 303-776-3937
Most of the eye's interior behind the lens and back to the retina is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance that helps the eye maintain a round shape. Within the vitreous many fine fibers are intertwined and attached to the retina and the optic nerve. With age, the vitreous begins to thin and there is a separation of the watery elements from the fibrous components. It also begins to shrink and pull away or separate from the retina. This is called posterior vitreous separation, which is common and usually harmless. It can also separate from the retina due to changes in the eye from diabetes, blocked blood vessels, inflammations or due to a sudden blow to the eye.
Posterior vitreous separation frequently causes the symptoms of floaters and flashing lights, but infrequently causes a loss of vision. It should not be confused with retinal detachment, which is a very serious condition requiring immediate attention. It can however, precede a retinal tear and/or detachment.
POSTERIOR VITREOUS SEPARATION
Most of the eye's interior is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance that helps the eye maintain a round shape. There are millions of fine fibers intertwined within the vitreous that are attached to the surface of the retina. As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks, and these fine fibers pull on the retinal surface. Usually the fibers break, allowing the vitreous to separate and shrink from the retina.
POSTERIOR VITREOUS SEPARATION
Most of the eye's interior is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance that helps the eye maintain a round shape. There are millions of fine fibers intertwined within the vitreous that are attached to the surface of the retina. As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks, and these fine fibers pull on the retinal surface. Usually the fibers break, allowing the vitreous to separate and shrink from the retina.
Usually the appearance of new floaters or light flashes does not indicate any serious eye problem. However, the only way to ensure that the floaters or flashes are not symptomatic of a more serious problem, is to have your retina examined.
Since abnormal conditions of the eye can cause the symptoms of flashes and floaters,
Dr. Robinson performs a
complete examination at the initial onset of flashers and floaters to determine the cause. Subsequent examinations should also be performed if the flashers or floaters should change or become worse. Dr. Robinson will determine if there is a need for any subsequent examinations.
Phone: 303-776-3937
Address: 500 Coffman Street, Suite 109 Longmont, Colorado 80501
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