What Are Floaters?

Floaters look like gray or black specks, strings, or cobwebs that drift across your vision. They are small clumps of gel inside the vitreous—the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of your eye.

Most floaters are harmless and occur naturally as you age, especially after age 50. However, a sudden increase in floaters may signal a more serious problem.

What Are Flashes?

Flashes are brief streaks or flickers of light, often seen in your peripheral vision. These occur when the vitreous tugs on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.

What’s New in AMD Treatment?

Longer-Lasting Injections

Traditionally, wet AMD required monthly eye injections. Now, longer-acting drugs like:

Vabysmo® (faricimab) Eylea HD

Gene Therapy (Coming Soon)

Gene therapy is being tested as a “one-and-done” approach to reduce or eliminate the need for frequent injections. Trials like RGX-314 and ADVM-022 are showing promise.

Syfovre™ (pegcetacoplan)

Izervay™ (avacincaptad pegol)

These injections may slow progression and preserve vision longer.

What This Means for Patients:

If you’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration—or are at risk—ask your retina specialist about the latest options. New therapies mean better outcomes, fewer office visits, and greater independenc

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina. When blood sugar stays high, these vessels can leak, swell, or close off—leading to vision loss.

There are two main types:

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) – early stage, may have no symptoms.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) – advanced stage, with abnormal blood vessel growth and higher risk of blindness.

Other Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes:

Diabetic macular edema (DME) – fluid buildup in the macula, affecting sharp vision.

Cataracts – develop earlier and faster in people with diabetes.

Glaucoma – risk is nearly doubled in diabetic patients.

Why UV Rays Are Harmful to the Eyes

Without proper protection, cumulative UV damage can lead to:

Photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea—yes, your eyes can get sunburned!)

Macular degeneration (age-related central vision loss)

Cataracts (clouding of the lens) 

Pinguecula and pterygium (growths on the eye surface)

How to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses

Look for sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.

Tip: Wraparound or oversized styles offer added protection from side exposure.

Use a Wide-Brimmed Hat

Hats reduce the amount of UV rays that reach your eyes by up to 50%, especially when the sun is high.

Choose Polarized Lenses for Glare

While not essential for UV protection, polarized sunglasses help reduce glare from water, sand, and roads—great for beachgoers and drivers.

Avoid Peak Sun Hours (10am–4pm)

If you’re spending long periods outdoors, try to seek shade or take breaks indoors during midday hours when UV radiation is strongest.

Protect Children’s Eyes Too

Children receive 3 times more annual UV exposure than adults. Make sure they wear sunglasses and hats as well.

Long-Term Benefits of Eye Sun Safety

Just like you brush your teeth to prevent cavities, daily eye protection is a small habit with big benefits. Consider wearing light colored sunglasses on cloudy days. Reducing UV exposure helps prevent:

Skin cancers around the eyelids
 

Early cataract formation

Progressive macular damage