We are conveniently located in the Walmart Vision Center on Davis & 951 (Collier Blvd.)
Light flashes, or photopsia, occur when the retina is exposed to light or tugged, torn or detached due to mechanical stimulation. As a result, it produces an electrical impulse which the brain interprets as light. However, the light can last longer if the retina is damaged. Other causes of flashes include a blow to the head, a migraine. As for floaters, they are tiny spots or specks that drift around in front of your eyes. Though annoying, they are very common and are not a cause for alarm. Mainly, they are tiny pieces of vitreous (eye’s gel) that have broken loose within the inner back part of the eye. However, it should be considered a medical emergency if you notice a shower of floaters combined with light flashes.
Recurrent corneal erosions occur when the outer layer of the cornea grows loose or peels off. This condition is caused by corneal trauma such as scratches. However, this may be present at birth, but does not manifest until early adulthood. To diagnose recurrent corneal erosions, your optometrist will inquire about symptoms such as mild swelling and pain, especially when you wake up. Though you may choose to ignore these, you need help immediately to prevent further complications and recurrence. Your optometrist may prescribe an oxygen permeable bandage, topical ointments, or a bandage contact lens.
Signs and symptoms of eye problems can be a subtle problem. The best thing a patient can do is to spend 30 minutes and get his yearly eye exam. This way, the optometrist can assist in identifying any issues that may not be the norm. Very often, patients lead busy lives and put their own health on the back burner. While many patients try to self diagnose with Google, it may not be the best way to establish a diagnosis. Prevention is the key. However, red eyes, headaches, blurred vision on near or distant objects, double vision, pain, floaters, flashes of light, excess discharge or tearing, growing bump on the eyelid, inability to close an eyelid, glare, loss of peripheral vision, wavy or crooked appearance to straight lines, redness around the eye and dry eyes with itching or burning are just a few signs and symptoms that hint that there may be something wrong with the visual system.
Absolutely! Many oral medications that we take for our systemic health can have side effects that affect our eyes. Common medications that we take like antihistamines, acne medications, arthritis medications, antidepressants, anti seizure, corticosteroids, erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate meds can all play a part in our visual system.
Strabismus is an eye condition that causes both eyes to misalign and stop working together. One eye may be misaligned inward (cross-eyed), outward (wall-eyed), upward or downward. This condition may be constant or intermittent, but it is mainly annoying since you may experience double vision and end up with a lazy eye. The most effective treatment in this case is a strabismus surgery, but your optometrist may recommend vision therapy at first.