Floaters & Flashes

I have suffered from Floaters and Flashes for at least 5 years and I can remember having flashes over 10 years ago. I am 38 years old.
My floaters dont seem to get drastically worse over time. I might not see flashes for 2 to 3 weeks but then I will get them once a day for several days. They happen in both eyes and are light lightning strikes. They seem to be happen more often when I am look at a computer screen. I have been to several opthalmologists who have looked into my eyes and have said that my eyes are perfectly healthy. When I mention the flashes, I was told ny one opthalmologist it could be a 'variation of normal'. I have also had an OCT test whcih was normal.
What does a variation of normal mean? Am I at higher risk for retinal tears? If so would it be advisable to get a vitrectomy to pre-empt any complications in the future?

Any advice would be really appreciated, thanks!

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Retinal flashes are due to the vitreous pulling on the retinal.  This can persist for a long time.  Eventually the vitreous separates from this area or rarely a tear can develop.

Dr. O.

[Danny13579]

Thankyou for the reply Doctor,

Would you consider my 'condition' rare or abnormal? and under the circumstances (IF you were my Doctor) would you recommend a Vitrectomy to pre-empt any complications in the future?

Based on your experience do people like me develop complications down the road?

Do you think these flashes could go on indefinitely?

Thanks