Surgical & Medical Retina

About Retinal Conditions

The vitreous is a clear jelly like material that occupies most of the space at the back of the eye. The retina is the back layer of the eye and is covered in light sensitive cells. Information collected by these cells is then relayed to the brain via the optic nerve allowing us to see.  

Posterior Vitreous Detachment

As you get older the vitreous starts to collapse in places. This can start earlier if you have trauma, short-sightedness or inflammation inside the eye. When the jelly degenerates, it leaves floaters in the vision. This is called a posterior vitreous detachment. Sometimes as the vitreous collapses it will pull on the retina and cause a flash of light. The flashes are temporary and typically subside over 1 to 3 months.

Most patients with floaters and/or flashes do not have a problem that requires treatment. However, the eyes do need to be examined thoroughly by an ophthalmologist to exclude any retinal damage.

Retinal Detachment

Flashes and floaters are very common symptoms that are important because they can be the warning signs of a retinal detachment. When a person has a detached retina, it means the retina has separated from the back of the eye. Without surgical treatment, a retinal detachment may worsen until the retina is completely detached. This results in blindness.