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Question:
I am 58 years old and have had floaters for years now. This week, I noticed an increase in floaters and am now seeing lightning flashes occasionally (not consistently) in the peripheral part of my right eye. Is this just a temporary condition due to aging or should I be extremely concerned about this?
Answer:
Flashes of light and new floaters are a combination of symptoms that causes concern in every ophthalmologist, as they may indicate a tear in the retina or the beginnings of a retinal detachment. Many patients have these symptom and are told by their ophthalmologist that everything is fine, but a small percentage of people with these symptoms need serious treatment and are at some degree of risk for the loss of all of the sight in the eye. A comprehensive examination of your eyes by an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) is required immediately.
Answered by: Wayne Bizer, DO
Categories: Eye Conditions
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