Makindo Medical Notes"One small step for man, one large step for Makindo" |
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β¨ Flashes and β« floaters are common, often benign, but may indicate serious eye disease. Causes include vitreoretinal changes, inflammation, vascular events, or trauma. π¨ Retinal detachment is an ophthalmic emergency β careful assessment is essential.
Condition | 𧬠Pathophysiology | π©Ί Presentation | π Management |
---|---|---|---|
πΉ Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) | Age-related vitreous liquefaction β separation from retina | Sudden floaters (spots, cobwebs) + flashes; painless, usually unilateral | Ophthalmology review to exclude tear; observation + follow-up |
πΉ Retinal Detachment π¨ | Retina separates from pigment epithelium, often after PVD or trauma | Flashes, floaters, βcurtainβ shadow, sudden vision loss | Emergency referral; surgical repair (vitrectomy, scleral buckle) |
πΉ Ocular Migraine π©οΈ | Vasospasm of retinal/occipital vessels β transient visual aura | Zig-zags, scintillations, flashes Β± migraine headache | Rest, hydration, migraine therapy (e.g., triptans if recurrent) |
πΉ Vitreous Haemorrhage π©Έ | Blood into vitreous (trauma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tear) | Dark/red floaters, blurred vision, Β± flashes | Urgent referral; bed rest, head elevation; vitrectomy if severe |
πΉ Retinal Tear β οΈ | Full-thickness retinal break (often post-PVD) β risk of detachment | Flashes, new floaters; progressive risk | Laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy; close follow-up |
πΉ Uveitis π₯ | Inflammation of uveal tract (iris, ciliary body, choroid) | Floaters, blurred vision, photophobia | Steroid drops, mydriatics, treat underlying cause (infectious/autoimmune) |
πΉ Trauma π₯ | Blunt/penetrating injury β vitreous haemorrhage, retinal tears, or detachment | Flashes, floaters, visual loss; often with pain/redness | Immediate ophthalmology review; surgical repair if retinal injury |
Most floaters and flashes are due to benign PVD, but the presence of a βcurtainβ or sudden visual field loss is a red flag π¨. Always exclude retinal tear or detachment with urgent dilated fundoscopy or ophthalmology referral.