Intermittent flashes over time

Discussion in 'Optometry Archives' started by Adam, Jul 9, 2003.

  1. Adam

    Adam Guest

    I've had couple of migraines and a bout of a cluster headache, all as
    separate instances, over 20 years ago. I've occasionally had wavy vision
    prodrom in one eye, but no headache.

    I'm now experiencing an interesting flashing in one eye for the last 24
    hours for which I'm hoping you folks can give me some help. Let me describe
    it:

    Onset occurred yesterday afternoon just after I finished my weight lifting
    exercises at the gym. No undue exercise stress that I can relate to the
    flashing onset. I am 64 and in great shape and health. The flashes occur
    as a thin black 1/4 circle arc, or as a 1/4 circle arc that a white light
    transverses, in the upper left quadrant of my left eye. I actually see a
    1/4 circle that the bright white light travels or the 1/4 circle black arc.
    The frequency of these flashes is intermittent. They may occur in ones,
    twos, or threes over a period of seconds, and then stop. This morning I had
    them upon awakening and then they went away while I was fishing for 6 hours.
    Started intermittently when I got home. Saw some floaters this morning, but
    none now. No impairment of vision. No headache or pain. Can't see flashes
    when eye is closed and didn't bother me when I went to sleep last night.
    However, there is a very slight sensation around the affected eye, only when
    I think about it (self-induced sensation, eh?).

    I've read many threads related to flashing and migraine on Google Groups,
    and I'm impressed that flashes related to migraine usually present for an
    hour or less and precede the headache. I don't seem to be fitting this
    pattern and would like to hear more from you folks who have a greater
    knowledge base than I do.

    Thanks,

    Adam
     
    Adam, Jul 9, 2003
    #1
  2. Adam

    Otis Brown Guest

    Dear Adam,

    I also had migraines when I was young.

    I also had "flashes" as you describe them. I am 63
    years old.

    This is one of the indications of an incipient detached
    retina. If caught in time it can be "stiched" with
    a lazer.

    I would suggest calling a "retina group" or an
    ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

    Also look for "wavy lines" where you know they
    are straight. Also a another effect of incipient
    detached retina.

    If nothing is found, breathe a sigh of relief.

    Best,

    Otis
    Engineer

    ****
     
    Otis Brown, Jul 10, 2003
    #2
  3. Adam

    Fred Stevens Guest

    As others have suggested you need to rule out a retinal condition, and see an
    opthamologist, sooner rather than later. That said, I've had a similar
    condtion for many years in my left eye, a white crescent moving around the
    edge of the field of vision, from about 8'oclock to 1 oclock over a period of
    a couple of seconds. The problem is intermittent, not related to migranes, but
    for me appears associated with stress, and is most common early and late in
    the day. My situation is somewhat ambiguous because I have retinal damage in
    that part of the eye, but stabilized with a scleral buckle. My retinologist
    feels that the flashes are unrelated to that and may be neurological in
    origin. I do notice that the more relaxed I am, the fewer flashes I
    experience, so he may be right.
     
    Fred Stevens, Jul 10, 2003
    #3
  4. Adam

    Adam Guest

     
    Adam, Jul 10, 2003
    #4
  5. Adam

    Niall Dorgan Guest

    Adam,
    The symptoms you describe are the classic signs of a Posterior Vitreous
    Detachment, I would suggest that you see an eye specialist as soon as
    possible, as there is a possibility that this could lead to a retinal tear
    or detachment, which could seriously damage your sight.
     
    Niall Dorgan, Jul 10, 2003
    #5
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