For prevention of cataracts, among other things, the use of sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet light rays is advisable. Surgery of this type is highly successful and has given patients newfound visual acuity. This problem is curable and patients should consult their doctor if they are experiencing these symptoms. This condition is characterized by a patient seeing small specks of dust or clouds flying in front of their eyes. This is due to clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, floating in the fluid and giving that visual perception by shadows they cast on the retina.
Floaters can have different shapes such as little dots, circles, clouds cobwebs or lines.
When a person reaches middle age, this problem is rather common. Floaters are not serious if the retina is not torn. What causes flashing lights is that the vitreous gel pulls on the retina and the patient may see flashing lights or lightening streaks. When this is seen, a patient should contact an ophthalmologist immediately to see if the retina has been torn. Some people experience headaches and flashes of light with jagged lines or heat waves.