Wiggly cobweb flashing light in right eye

[Shazzza007]

Is it normal to have wiggly lines flashin light and too many floaters in right eye? Its has happened about 3 times but today i was driving and it started happening again in my right eye but it got that bad that i had to park the car on the side till it calmed down.. it lasted for about 20mins, should i be worried or is it normal as i wear glasses.. i do have migraines but not had one in a while any suggestions ??

I had similar a while ago, I got sent to eye specialist because of diabetes but it turned out to be an ocular migraine.

I would still get your symptoms checked, it's not worth risking your sight.

You need to see an optician as soon as you can, ie today. It is possibly ocular migraine but could also be a symptom of something more serious such as retinal detachment. There is no way to be sure without getting checked out. Don’t panic, it may well be nothing but you really can’t ignore symptoms like these.

That’s how my migraines start often a heat haze type distortion & floating black spots too.

Can be both of those things and even symptoms of ocular melanoma. You DEFINITELY need to see an ophthalmologist ASAP. Go to GP for referral.

No, don’t go to the GP. An ophthalmologist referral could take weeks/months. You need to see an optician who can dilate your pupil, examine your eye thoroughly and refer as appropriate. Very very few GPS would have the equipment (and experience) to look as thoroughly as an optician can.

It needs to be checked out urgently, as it might be a retinal detachment. It could also be a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD), which isn't very serious, and quite common as you get older ( both of my eyes had PVD a few years ago, but I am 72). See an opthalmologist ASAP, who may refer you to an eye hospital, where they can do a full check for either of those conditions.

Had exactly the same thing! Like a psychedelic web! Ocular migraine. Classic symptom. I rather like them, but I'm lucky and have no pain with mine.

Thanks guys iv booked in an appoinment with my gp

I meant with specsavers not gp*

Yes get checked for PVD. I had that and it started with flashing lights and increased floaters. Mine developed into retinal tear and then lots of black spots everywhere. Optician referred me to GP to get urgent referral to eye unit but because of delays in the process it ended up taking forever and I ended up at emergency eye clinic - so could be worth going straight there if you have an eye unit at your A and E. Luckily had no detachment as I then had immediate treatment for the tear, but it could have led to detachment.

How are you getting on OP. Have you been seen yet?

It is absolutely imperative that you get this checked asap. If you have access to a specialist eye hospital emergency dept such as manchester eye hospital or moorfields,go there. Note that im not an eye specialist but this has a possible whiff of PVD about it. Can you say your age? Its also imperative that if it is PVD there is no hint of any vitroretinal traction injury going on.

Go to your nearest eye casualty, they are the specialists & if you need treatment it is the fastest way in to the system.

While I agree with everyone urging OP to get seen as quickly as possible, she needs to go to her optician, not straight to A&E or eye casualty. The optician will be able to examine her and decide if any referral is necessary, and do the referral if so, decide on the urgency, and maybe speak directly to the ophthalmologist. OP if you haven’t seen the optician yet make sure you go tomorrow. This is not something to waste time with.

Thanks for the advice guys gp told me to go to specsavers so got an appoinment on fri...

I used to get them every couple of weeks for about three months. Then they just stopped 🤷🏼‍♀️. Haven’t had one (touch wood) for about two or three years.
Optician checked my eyes out and said nothing to worry about.

Agree with optometrist appt - sounds like possible retinal detachment to me. My mum has this last year. Good luck!

Today would be better than Friday.

Thanks for the advice guys gp told me to go to Specsavers so got an appointment on fri...

It sounds like it could be a retinal detachment, which is considered a medical emergency. I would ring 111. I suspect they will tell you to go to A and E asap.

I went to A and E as advised and was fortunate enough to be seen by a doctor who had trained as an optician before his medical degree. Mine turned out to be a PVD.

Don't wait until Friday. Get seen today.

Explain to the optician what the problem is and they will give you an emergency appointment today. Certainly in Scotland they are paid by the NHS to provide this service.

Yes I had this and as instructed by the GP practice I asked for and got an emergency same day appt with specsavers. It was PVD.

If i had access to a specialist A & E dept i would go straight away. If there is any vitro retinal traction injury then its imperative that it is detected and addressed as soon as possible. Its also perfectly possible that some opticians may miss important evidence when examining. The eye will need full dilation and detailed examination.

Good luck with the appointment. I got a same day spec savers one last month and they sent me to a&e after checking my eyes out, I had peripheral floaters and it turned out I had swollen optic discs. Their equipment will be able to see what's going on with you.

I had this and the opticians gave me a same day appointment. In my case it turned out to be PVD. I've got used to it now but the increased floaters are still annoying against pale backgrounds.

Aural migraine. You don’t always get pain. I have had it twice.