Why does one often have

Furthermore, migraine headaches produce flashes that are very distinctive, usually last for a set amount of time, and occur the same way each time. You can get migraine types of flashes without any headache ophthalmic migraine. Finally, it is important to make sure the floaters are not actually debris in the outermost layer of the eye tear film layer that simply disappears once you rinse your eyes out or blink several times. What is most critical about flashes and floaters is their timing and course.

This requires prompt attention and evaluation by an eye care professional. If the flashes and floaters are purely from normal aging, then no treatment is needed. In time, the flashes and floaters will become much less if this is the cause. If, however, there is a retinal tear, bleeding, retinal detachment, or infection inside the eye, medical and surgical therapy will be needed.

Such therapy may include any or all of the following:. Lastly, although you may hear that normal floaters can be removed by doing a vitrectomy a surgical procedure to remove some vitreous from the eye , it is rarely done, as the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits. Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Louis, MO: Mosby, Children with this form of nystagmus often nod and tilt their heads. Their eyes may move in any direction.

This type of nystagmus usually does not require treatment. Develops later in childhood or adulthood. The cause is often unknown, but it may be due to the central nervous system and metabolic disorders or alcohol and drug toxicity.

Other causes of nystagmus include: Lack of development of normal eye movement control early in life. Very high refractive error, for example, nearsightedness myopia or astigmatism. Congenital cataracts. Inflammation of the inner ear. Medications such as anti-epilepsy drugs. Central nervous system diseases. Symptoms Involuntary eye movement.

Movement can be in one eye or both. Objects may appear blurry and shaky. Nighttime vision problems or sensitivity to light. Balance and dizziness. Diagnosis Nystagmus can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Testing for nystagmus, with special emphasis on how the eyes move, may include: Patient history to determine any symptoms the patient is experiencing and the presence of any general health problems, medications taken, or environmental factors that may be contributing to the symptoms.

Visual acuity measurements to assess the extent to which vision may be affected. A refraction to determine the appropriate lens power needed to compensate for any refractive error nearsightedness , farsightedness , or astigmatism. Testing how the eyes focus, move and work together. In order to obtain a clear, single image of what is being viewed, the eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison. This testing will look for problems that affect the control of eye movements or make it difficult to use both eyes together.

Age 20 to Most adults age 20 to 39 should have a complete eye exam every t wo to three years. At this point in your life, you are less likely to experience sudden or more rapid vision loss. African-Americans are at higher risk of experiencing vision loss between the ages of 20 and 39, so they should schedule exams every one to two years. You should have your eyes checked more often if you:.

Age 40 to The eyes go through continuous changes between the ages of 40 and In addition to diminishing vision and increasing lens prescription changes, the lens of the eye slowly begins to harden from about age This impacts near vision and is the reason most adults 45 years and over need reading glasses.

This age-related far-sightedness is called presbyopia. Adults between the ages of 40 and 64 are also more prone to developing health conditions that contribute to vision loss such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or side effects related to prescription medications. Age 65 and beyond. Once you reach age 65, we recommend having a complete eye exam every year. Risk factors particular to seniors include:. A complete eye exam is different from the cursory vision test where you stand or sit behind a line and read off varying-sized letters from an eye chart called a Snellen Eye Chart.

The eye exam includes:. Review of your eye exam and medical history. Your family and personal medical histories are clues to the types of vision issues you may experience over time.