Floaters And Flashers And Bears, Oh My! by Dr. Howard Purcell @ (NAPSA)—They loom in front of your eyes like the old science book images of bacteria. You blink, they move. But even with youreyes closed, they remain. What are they? These aberrations, known as “floaters,” are debris _ a particles of various . "sizes, shapes and . consistencies trapped be in the vitreous humor—theclear, jellyDr. Howard Purcell ike fluid in the eye’s center. They may occur before birth while the eyes are forming and remain for life, or they can also be caused by deterioration of the vitreousor the retina during aging. In some situations they team up with another condition called “flashes,” or bring points of light that flash in your eyes. During aging, the vitreous begins to shrink, causing it to pull away from the retina, which is one potential cause of these flashes. Floaters and flashes may indicate something moreserious, such as a retinal hole or tear. If you experience either or both of these conditions, or if anything about your eyes concerns you, see an Eye Care Professional as soon as possible and protect your precious sense of sight for your lifetime. Also, contact www.acuvue.com for additional information about eye care. Howard B. Purcell, O.D., FA.A.O., is Director, Professional Affairs, for Vistakon, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., makers of ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses. Note to Editors: This is the 11th in a series of 12.
