I am 50 years old. What caused my eye flashes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 50-year-old female. I get flashes of light in my eye. I am taking medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, and thyroid.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

This is the age when you get posterior vitreous detachment. It is a naturally occurring age-related phenomenon where the vitreous jelly separates from one's retina, and in this process, one might experience a ring-like floater and probably some flashes.

Some warning signs you can watch out for if there is something abnormal. Many floaters instead of one. The size of the floater increases suddenly. A significant decrease in vision. Too many flashes. If these occur, please consult a vitreoretinal expert ophthalmologist for a dilated fundus examination to rule out any areas of weakness in the retina. Till then, start Nepafenac eye drops once at bedtime to hasten the PVD process (posterior vitreous detachment).

I hope this helps.

Thank you.