Hopedale November 2016

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Page 8 Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com November 2016 Living Healthy Flashes and Floaters By: Roger M. Kaldawy, M.D., Milford Franklin Eye Center Many patients will be aware of small flying “black spots” in the field of vision in one or both eyes. These are called floaters and may be associated with flashes of light. Flashes and floaters may have serious implications on the vision. What are floaters? Floaters are small black shadows in the vision of one or both eyes, especially when looking at a specific surface like a white page, a bright sky or perhaps when walking on the beach. These black spots are impurities in the fluid that fills the back cavity of the eye. This jelly fluid is called the “vitreous” and has a consistency similar to “egg white.” This vitreous fluid is present in the eye from birth and is not replaced or exchanged during life. It is initially attached to the surface of the retina, which is the light sensitive nerve tissue layer that lines the back surface of the wall of the eye. It is important to note that it is not necessarily abnormal to see black spots in the vision. The size and number of floaters seen is variable; some patients (especially short sighted people) will be aware of numerous floaters, while others may never be aware of the symptom at all. Some floaters can interfere severely with vision, while others are barely noticeable. Although annoying, floaters are usually harmless and come and go over the years. What are flashes? Flashes are usually caused by the vitreous body tugging on the retina. This tugging occurs when the vitreous body shrinks as a normal part of the aging process. Flashes may last for a few seconds or several minutes and can occur on and off for weeks or months. They are usually seen at night or in poor lighting. Eye migraine can cause the perception of similar light flashes, although often these flashes of light may have numerous colors. The abnormal light flashes seen with migraines are usually very different, appearing as jagged lines blocking an area of vision or moving slowly across the field of vision in one or both eyes. People who suffer from migraine headaches will often know the familiar pattern of these visual experiences, often occurring just before the headaches begin. These migraine flashes are unrelated to the vitreous body and its attachment to the retina. What causes flashes and floaters? The vitreous is composed of collagen, and this undergoes BUFF your STUFF Proud to offer you: • Flexible in-House Payment Plans • State-of-the-Art Technology • Lifetime Guarantee • “Retainers for Life” Program • Caring & Knowledgeable Team Specializing in Braces and Invisalign for Children and Adults CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION! Hopkinton, MA (508) 435-1200 Milford, MA (508) 473-2002 Holliston, MA (508) 429-7800 WWW.SIMPLYORTHO.COM Did you know exfoliating weekly can help correct and prevent aging? November is Exfoliation Month at Elizabeth Grady. Receive discounts off of exfoliating services if you come in during the month of November. Do your stuff…call for a buff! Elizabeth Grady 130 Franklin Village Dr • Franklin, MA 02038 508.520.2257
November 2016 Local Town Pages www.hopedaletownnews.com Page 9 Living Healthy structural changes with age, and will become more liquid like and watery in later life. At some point, the chemical bonds that link the vitreous fluid to the surface of the retina will become weaker and the vitreous jelly will separate from the retina. This process is called posterior vitreous detachment or PVD and is a normal consequence of aging. Approximately half of us will have a PVD in one or both eyes by the age of 60. PVD will often cause us to notice the sudden onset of new floaters, often associated with flashes of light. Unfortunately, the vitreous body is sometimes more firmly attached to the surface of the retina and may pull away a piece of the retina or tear the retina as it separates. This can cause fluid to escape, pushing the retina off the inside of the eye. This is known as retinal detachment, which is a serious threat to sight. Surgery is needed to reattach the retina if a retinal detachment occurs. When should I seek help? See your ophthalmologist if new floaters appear, with or without sudden light flashes. Any loss of peripheral (side) vision should be investigated without a delay. Shouldn’t this be YOUR NEXT HOME? We invite you to come and experience our affordable, independent, and assisted living options at the Communities at Golden Pond. Your ophthalmologist will give you a complete eye examination. Drops are put in the eyes to enlarge the pupils and determine whether PVD, retinal tear, retinal detachment or bleeding is present. If you have occasional floaters and flashes, you should have an annual eye examination. Symptoms of a PVD most often occur in one eye at a time. Even though your ophthalmologist will check both eyes at the first visit, it is important to realize that if similar symptoms are experienced in the other eye, you should see your ophthalmologist again with the onset of new flashes or floaters as you could be having a PVD in this eye. Is there any treatment for flashes and floaters? Flashes and floaters are usually just annoying, not harmful. However, they can be signs of serious problems (like a tear on the retina) and, for this reason, must not be ignored. For most people, treatment is not necessary. Floaters and flashes usually subside over time, causing no permanent deterioration to vision. At Milford Franklin Eye Center, we use state-of-the-art laser Discover the Golden Pond Difference Ask about our respected memory care program, fun-filled activities and trips, renowned dining services, and the many other benefits Golden Pond has to offer. Come take a tour and enjoy lunch with us! Contact Kris Leardi at 508-435-1250 x44 or kleardi@goldenpondal.com 50-60 West Main Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 www.goldenpondal.com technology to treat a variety of eye problems, including retinal tears, with full evaluation of flashes and floaters. In case those are associated with a retinal tear, we are proud to have a dedicated retina specialist in our practice, specializing in the treatment of retinal eye disease. This internationally known expert in his filed is on staff at Harvard Medical School. We are the area’s leading eye care practice, and we continue to bring you world class eye care closer to home. For more details, see our ad on the front page. Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Relaxed Friendly Atmosphere Welcoming New Patients! John C. Park, DMD Community Brief: Alzheimer’s Support Group Golden Pond Assisted Living and Memory Care (50 West Main St., Hopkinton) is hosting an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group every third Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in The Lodge. The group is free, open to the public, and focuses on individuals who care for people in the mid to late stages of Alzheimer’s and related Dementias. This support group is an Alzheimer’s Association Approved Support Group in New England. Light refreshments will be served. Please call Liz Kemp, LCSW at (508) 435-125- ext. 29 to register. v Cleaning & Exams v Periodontal Care v Root Canals v Crown & Bridge v Implants v Dentures v Oral Surgery 508-473-6500 www.parkplacedentalma.com 54 Hopedale St., Suite 8, Hopedale Additional Location in Hopkinton Children Welcome
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Hopedale November 2016

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