Questions and concerns about eye floaters or flashes before Lasik. Austinophthalmologists here similar inquiries, almost daily, because the disruptions to the vision field are experienced frequently. Knowing what floaters and flashes are and what might be causing them can give you a head start when approaching your own eye doctor before LASIK.

Floaters In the vast majority of cases, floaters will not be a reason for concern and would play no part in making the decision of whether or not to undergo Lasik. Austin eye doctors will generally show no concern about reports of experiencing the tiny spots in the vision field. If you have floaters then you will likely notice that you can’t quite focus on them, as they drift through the vision field. They are typically caused by tiny tears or holes in the vitreous gel, which begins as a soft, but solid substance (much like gelatin) in the center of the eye ball. As a person ages, the gel begins to liquefy and this can result in a water center. When pieces of the gel remain in that liquid, the light passing through the eye hits them and casts a shadow on the retina, which then passes the message of what was perceived to the brain. As the eye moves, the shadow that is cast hits the retina at a different angle. This creates the illusion of specks passing through the field of vision and also explains why the individual can’t focus on them. This occurs regularly as a person ages, making it a very common complaint of patients.
Unfortunately, there are times when a doctor will show more concern over floaters. Occasionally, the floaters are caused by something more severe, which would suggest that there is a need for medical care. Many spots appearing at once can be a sign of vitreous detachment. The gel is naturally attached to the retina. However, as it liquefies, it can sag and eventually pull away. This can result in the appearance of many floaters simultaneously. It can also cause flashes.
Flashes The experience of this type of vision disruption can be seen as more of a problem and the eye doctor will likely recommend a more thorough evaluation or treatment before thinking about Lasik. Austin ophthalmologists do see patients complaining of flashes fairly regularly, but they are generally considered of more significance than floaters.
In order to understand flashes, one must first grasp how the retina works. Light enters the eye and is focused on the receptors located in the retina. Via electrical impulse, the message is sent through the optic nerve to the brain and is, there, interpreted as an image of the world around us. However, electric impulses can also be caused when those light receptors are touched by something. When the vitreous breaks free, it can move around freely within the center of the eye, bumping the retina from time to time (or very frequently). The brain perceives the impulses as quick, intense light, which results in the person seeing flashes.
Flashes are not always a sign of detachment, however. They can also occur when blood surges through the vessels in the eye. Jagged light flashes that last over a short time are often associated with migraines. They will generally be followed closely by a severe headache, but that is not always the case. If you are experiencing these flashes, the doctor ill generally move forward with the eye surgery.













