VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron BACKGROUND NOISE Just as background noise can impede a person's ability to hear conversation, the visual phenomena known as "floaters" can distract from the capacity to focus on objects in our visual field. These small spots, which are most noticeable against the solid blue background of a cloudless sky, are caused by shadows cast on the retina by microscopic structures within the vitreous fluid that fills the eye. Flashes of light that occur when this fluid shifts are another common ocular phenomenon. In most cases, flashes and floaters are fleeting and harmless but annoying; however, they may be signs that the retina is tearing or detaching from the back of the eye. Retinal detachment is considered to be a medical emergency. The retina contains the light sensitive cells of the eye that convert light into neural impulses that communicate with the optic nerve and the brain, enabling visual processing. When the retinal cells become detached from the supportive tissue, they no longer get the nourishment and support they need to function and in a relatively short period of time can suffer permanent damage. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. At Skowron Eye Care, your 20/20 vision is our mission. P.S. Floaters got their name by moving around in the eye and darting away when you try to focus on them. EYE CARE SKOWRON 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron BACKGROUND NOISE Just as background noise can impede a person's ability to hear conversation, the visual phenomena known as "floaters" can distract from the capacity to focus on objects in our visual field. These small spots, which are most noticeable against the solid blue background of a cloudless sky, are caused by shadows cast on the retina by microscopic structures within the vitreous fluid that fills the eye. Flashes of light that occur when this fluid shifts are another common ocular phenomenon. In most cases, flashes and floaters are fleeting and harmless but annoying; however, they may be signs that the retina is tearing or detaching from the back of the eye. Retinal detachment is considered to be a medical emergency. The retina contains the light sensitive cells of the eye that convert light into neural impulses that communicate with the optic nerve and the brain, enabling visual processing. When the retinal cells become detached from the supportive tissue, they no longer get the nourishment and support they need to function and in a relatively short period of time can suffer permanent damage. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. At Skowron Eye Care, your 20/20 vision is our mission. P.S. Floaters got their name by moving around in the eye and darting away when you try to focus on them. EYE CARE SKOWRON 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com