Attention to Fly Flies in Front of the Eyes!

Kudret Eye Istanbul Chief Physician Op. Dr. Nail Sönmez warned about the appearance of flying objects in front of the eye, which is called fly flying: “It may be due to structural changes in the eye or it may be a harbinger of eye diseases that may cause vision loss.”

May Lead to Permanent Vision Loss!

Op. Dr Nail Sönmez: “The appearance of flying objects in front of the eye may occur due to diseases such as retinal tear, uveitis, eye inflammation, diabetes, high blood pressure or natural changes in the structure of the fluid called vitreous, which fills between the lens of the eye and the retina, with age. Diabetes and high blood pressure are diseases that can lead to visual loss such as retinal tears and eye inflammation, as well as threatening our general body health. It is necessary to consult a specialised ophthalmologist to determine the cause of the complaint. In cases of retinal tears and holes, a fluid called vitreous enters through the tears and holes and causes the retinal layer to completely detach from the eye wall to which it is attached, that is, retinal detachment. In retinal detachment, the nutrition of the layer separated from the eye wall is disrupted. This may lead to death of cells and complete and permanent vision loss. Patients should consult a specialist physician immediately when symptoms such as flying objects, flashes of light, grey or black curtains in the eye occur. Laser treatment is applied in cases where there is no retinal detachment but only a tear. The purpose of laser treatment is to prevent the tear from turning into detachment. In case of retinal detachment, which we call detachment, surgery is required.”

Who is in the Risk Group!

Kudret Eye Istanbul Chief Physician Op. Dr Nail Sönmez gave information about the causes of retinal detachment: “The biggest factor in the occurrence of retinal detachment is retinal tears and holes. Advancing age increases the risk factor. Although it is more common in middle age and older, it can be seen in any age group. Patients with high myopia, those with a family history of similar diseases and diabetic patients are in the risk group. The presence of retinal detachment in one eye indicates that it is highly likely to occur in the other eye. Sudden blows to the head are also the cause of retinal detachment, especially in children and young people. Although rare, it is also seen in pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause retinal detachment. Straining during labour can also cause retinal detachment in mothers with risk factors. It is important for expectant mothers to have a detailed eye examination at the beginning of the pregnancy process and for those who decide to become a mother to have a detailed eye examination before the pregnancy process against the risks of various eye diseases such as retinal detachment.”

Can it be harmless?

Eye Diseases Specialist. Op. Dr. Nail Sönmez stated that floaters can be seen due to aging and structural changes in the eye, and that this condition is called harmless if it does not interfere with vision: “One of the reasons for the appearance of floaters is the structural changes that occur with advancing age. It is a complaint that we encounter especially in patients over the age of 50. With advancing age, changes occur in the structure of the fluid called vitreous that fills between the lens of the eye and the retina. Tissues, blood cells and proteins in the vitreous fluid clump together to form shadows on the retina, the visual layer. These shadows create the sensation that some objects are floating in front of the eye. They are especially noticeable when looking towards a solid light coloured background. Due to aging, this condition is generally considered harmless. However, in some patients, flying objects in front of the eye occur so frequently and intensely that the patient has difficulty in seeing. In this very rare case, if the physician deems appropriate, laser or surgical treatment is applied and the eye is cleaned from particles. Objects floating in front of the eye may occur for partially harmless reasons such as structural changes, but may also occur for serious reasons that can lead to vision loss. A detailed retinal examination should be performed by consulting a specialised ophthalmologist as soon as complaints occur.”

Remember, these blog posts are for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please consult a doctor.