Other Conditions

Other conditions

Flashing lights and floaters

(posterior vitreous detachment)

Flashing lights and floaters are caused by changes in the jelly of the eye. They may be experienced by up to 75% of people over the age of 65. The main cavity of the eyeball is filled with a jelly-like substance called the vitreous. Throughout life it fills the eye pressing up against the retina which lines the inside of the eyeball. (The retina is the camera film of the eye).

Cross Section of the Eye

With age the vitreous changes from being jelly-like to being more liquid and at the same time develops opacities within it. These changes in the vitreous cause the visual symptoms of seeing floaters which appear as small particles or as larger shapes often described as like flies or spiders which move around when the eye is moved. As these changes in the jelly happen the vitreous may move away from the retina and may even pull on it causing the symptoms of flashing lights. These symptoms are very common and although they are irritating, they are not usually serious.

The reason you have been examined carefully is because sometimes this process can lead to detachment of the retina. This is when the retina comes away from the wall of the eye leading to loss of vision requiring urgent surgery. If a hole or tear is not found at your examination, no treatment is required and there is no need for you to worry.

The floaters may last for several months but should settle and you will notice them less with time. Treatment is very rarely recommended for posterior vitreous detachment because the risks of surgery outweigh the potential benefits. In rare cases causing severe symptoms, the vitreous can be surgically removed or laser treatment can be performed to disperse the floater.

In the large majority of patients no further problems arise, but you should be seen by an eye doctor without delay if you notice any of the following symptoms:

You notice a sudden rush of floaters
You notice more flashing lights
A dark shadow appears in your vision
A sudden change in or loss of vision occurs

If you have any questions regarding this information, please ask your eye doctor.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids and is a common condition. It can be severely irritating and uncomfortable but is generally not a sight threatening problem. It is a spectrum of conditions and maybe caused by bacteria or skin mites or be part of other skin conditions such as rosacea. There may be various causes and it is not fully known why certain individuals suffer from the condition more than others.

The symptoms tend to include dryness and grittiness of the eyes, although occasionally the eyes may actually water more normal. The eyelids made themselves be very red and there may be crusts on the eyelashes. Sometimes styes and cysts will develop and occasionally the inflammation of the eyelids can cause the surface of the eyeball itself to become inflamed.

Cleaning the Eyelid with a Cotton Bud

Treatment

Cleaning the eyelids is the mainstay of treatment.

Add half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda or one drop of baby shampoo to a cup of cooled boiled water. Alternatively, sterile eyelid cleaning solutions may be purchased such as Blephasol.
Dip a cotton bud into the solution and firmly scrub the rims of the eyelids to remove any crusts and debris.
Do not clean the inner surface of the eyelids (this would be painful)
Although cleaning the lower lid is easier, if you can clean the rim of the upper lid it would be beneficial.
If you find the procedure difficult, another person can clean the lids for you.
Clean the lids twice a day until your symptoms have improved (usually two or three weeks)
If your condition has improved, clean the lids occasionally to keep your symptoms at bay.
The cleaning will have the added effect of massaging some of the glands in the eyelid and will help to keep the mouths of the glands open.

Warm compresses

These will help to encourage the oily glands in your eyelids to secrete their oils and help to prevent plugging of the glands

Soak a flannel in hot water (such that it can be tolerated on your skin). Alternatively, microwavable bags such as an Eyebag or USB powered heat pads maybe purchased and reused for the same purpose.

Close your eyes gently and apply the warm compress to your eyelids.

Leave for a few minutes and repeat the procedure for both sides.

Gently massage the eyelids as though you are rubbing your eyes. This will encourage secretion from the oily glands in your eyelids.

Other treatments

Your doctor may prescribe lubricants for the eyes if they are dry. You may also be prescribed antibiotic or steroid ointment to help settle the inflammation. In severe cases or those which do not respond to the initial measures, you may be advised to take an extended course of antibiotic tablets for a few months.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please ask your eye doctor.

Other Conditions