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Original poster

Seeing flashes

15 replies

coffeeandchoc · 04/05/2019 14:30

Earlier this week I have a couple of signs seen flashes on the edge of my vision in my left eye.
I would see a couple then nothing else unusual for a number of hours.

Today I have been seeing them a lot more. Ive no headache. Is this a visual migraine?

Should I make an opticians appointment next week (I did have a check up only last month)? I am a bit paranoid about my vision, as I am quite short sighted.

OP posts:
Willowkins · 04/05/2019 14:38

Hi coffee. Sounds familiar from when I've had a migraine but there were other symptoms (headache, feeling nauseous). If this is a new thing that you are experiencing, definitely get it checked out.

FadedRed · 04/05/2019 14:44

Have you got any floaters or black bits in your vision? Anything that looks like a fall of soot? If you have then you need that checking out ASAP as it could indicate a problem with the retina.

AlunWynsKnee · 04/05/2019 14:46

It could well be a detached retina. A family member who is very short sighted has had flashes with detached retina. Needs checking ASAP.

Original poster
coffeeandchoc · 04/05/2019 14:48

Thanks, I've no new floaters, but I'll get to the opticians and get it checked.

OP posts:
Ethelswith · 04/05/2019 14:55

Ring your optician for advice, today

You shouid go to A&E if you get Lots of flashing or a storm of floaters. New occasion flashing or more floaters then optician as soon as poss.

There are causes other than detached retina or retinal tear, but those two need to be ruled out (or in) straight away.

justforareply · 04/05/2019 15:16

Go to eye a and e if there's one you can reach, otherwise ordinary a and e
I had similar - got worse over about 4 hours. Had my retina lasered back on about 5 hours later. Was told if I'd left it, retina may have detached but I got there when it was a tear

Arnoldthecat · 04/05/2019 18:31

I wonder what age the OP is? It could be symptomatic of the onset of a posterior vitreous detachment. Regardless,,anything to do with flashes,sudden floaters etc,,first stop emergency appt with your local optometrist . Any signs of vision loss,darkening,,straight to your local NHS specialist eye hospital facility. If there isnt one near you,go to the nearest a and e...dont not delay..

Original poster
coffeeandchoc · 05/05/2019 10:58

Arnold, I'm 41.
I have spoken to the opticians and have an appointment tomorrow. It hasn't got worse, but if it does I will go to a&e.
I think it is posterior vitreous detachment, as Arnold suggested, which I have had before in this eye a few years ago, but it was a blurred patch in my vision, and not the flashing.

OP posts:
Arnoldthecat · 05/05/2019 22:06

PVD only happens once. If your optometrist has an Ocular Coherence Tomography scanner so much the better . If you feel you can update following your visit,im sure it would be useful,,hope all goes well..

BeerandBiscuits · 06/05/2019 08:47

Hope you get on OK today.
You seem very calm about the flashes. I completely freaked out when I suddenly started getting them, every few seconds like lightning flashes at the corner of my vision, kept thinking I was about to go blind.
I went straight to A&E, had a long wait but it was reassuring to at least be at the hospital. Was seen by eye doctor who confirmed a retinal tear and did a laser repair.
Was so relieved he managed to do it as he'd mentioned the tear was in an awkward position and I might need to have surgery.

TougheningUp · 06/05/2019 09:48

PVD only happens once.

That's not true. I've had several episodes over the last decade. Each time another area detaches, those flashes appear and I have an increase in floaters. I'd urge the OP to go to an eye clinic ASAP.

Arnoldthecat · 06/05/2019 11:57

Hmmm..mostly it comes away over a shorter period until its all safely away. The big complication is if there is any traction. It takes a long time to get used to floaters especially if their is a larger Weiss ring type floater hanging around casting shadows in your field of vision. Flashes can be even more obvious if you close your eyes at night in a dark room. A bit like seeing a shooting star at night.

Original poster
coffeeandchoc · 06/05/2019 14:14

Just been to the opticians.

I think that last time I had a PVD it was in my right eye (which is my worse eye), but it was a few years ago now. Then it was a blurred patch right in the centre that floated down when looking, in the same way that floaters do.

The optician had a good look in my eyes (they have been dilated so he could have a proper look. And there is no sign of a tear, so that is good. It is just PVD.

I've got to keep an 'eye' on it for about 6 weeks and if I get an increase of flashes or floaters to go back or to a&e.
Thanks everyone

OP posts:
Willowkins · 06/05/2019 15:46

Good to know. Take care of yourself.

Arnoldthecat · 07/05/2019 18:59

Great news,thanks for the update..

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