Flies (Myopsies) & Flashes (Photopsies): when to worry?;
Many people see small black spots, «spiders» or flashes in their field of vision. Usually, these are due to pieces of the vitreous (the jelly of the eye) «swimming around» and casting their shadow on the retina. It is a common and usually harmless condition.
Flashes: Eye or Migraine?;
It is important to distinguish the cause of the flashes:
From Mati: They usually appear in one eye, like flashes/flashes, when you move your gaze or in the dark.
From Migraine: They appear in both eyes, last 20-30 minutes, look like flickering lines and are usually followed by a headache.
Symptoms of Serious Risk (Red Flags)
Visit the ophthalmologist IMMEDIATELY if you notice:
Sudden decrease in vision.
A sharp increase in the number of «fly heads».
A dark curtain or veil that covers part of your vision. These may be signs of a Crack, Bleeding or Retinal Detachment.
Self Examination Test: check your vision
Many problems are detected early if you compare the two eyes:
Cover one eye and focus on a point straight ahead.
Check your peripheral vision: do you see shadows or curtains?;
Look for new flies or flashes.
Repeat with the other eye.
Treatment: When is surgery needed?;
Usually, the flies settle over time and cease to bother you, so there is no need for surgery. The surgical solution (Hyalonectomy) is only discussed when:
The flies are so dense that they obstruct vision.
The patient has an occupation with high visual requirements (e.g. driver). In these cases, modern microsurgery can clear the visual field.
Frequently Asked Questions
I hit my head and I see stars. Is it myopia?;
A hard blow can cause flashes, but can also cause traumatic detachment. If you see «stars» after an injury, a fundus examination is necessary.
Is there any medicine to get rid of the flies?;
No, there are no drops that make the spots disappear. If they do not go away on their own and are unbearable, the only solution is surgical removal, but this is decided after careful evaluation.
What will the doctor do in the examination?;
He will dilate the pupil (mydriasis) with drops. This allows him to see the whole inside of the eye and make sure that the flies are due to simple vitreous detachment and not a crack or bleeding.