Treatment Spots and flashes

Very often, spots that people see moving in or in front of their eye or eyes are the result of cloudiness in the vitreous. A sudden appearance of spots may be accompanied by flashes of light. This usually indicates a fairly sudden shrinkage of the vitreous.

Research

Ophthalmological examination can be used to distinguish whether spots and flashes are harmless complaints or not. The ophthalmologist will examine the entire eye. This includes an examination of the retina after the pupil has been dilated with eye drops. These drops can cause vision loss for several hours.

Treatment

In case of complaints of spots and/or flashes, it is therefore first important to determine the cause. In case of an eye infection (uveitis), treatment with medication (eye drops) is usually necessary. In case of vitreous hemorrhage, for example due to diabetes, extensive laser treatment of the retina is often necessary. In case of a vitreous detachment without abnormalities in the retina, no treatment is necessary. The space between the shrunken vitreous and the retina is automatically filled by other fluid. However, if there is a weak spot or a tear in the retina, laser treatment is usually necessary, with which “spot welds” are made around the tear. This attaches the retina to the underlying layer, in order to prevent serious retinal detachment.

Course of the complaints

Vitreous opacities often become smaller over time. Some opacities may change location or even disappear. People usually eventually become more accustomed to the spots, which causes them to become less of a nuisance. This can sometimes take a long time (months). Flashes of light usually disappear on their own, although they can sometimes be seen for some time during rapid eye movements or in the dark. However, if there is a sudden, clear worsening of the spots and/or flashes, it is best to contact your GP or ophthalmologist again within 24 hours.

After the first examination it is usual that the retina is checked again by the ophthalmologist after about 1 week. After 3-4 months a second check-up moment follows.