Sudden lights in eyes!

[Dannexe]

Anyone know what this could be and whether I need to do anything? It’s a flickering light in a c shape with patterns on it. It’s in my line of vision in both eyes. If I cover one eye it is still there in the other. It’s very bright and getting bigger. I initially thought it was a drop of water but it isn’t. Apologies for any typos. I can’t see the screen properly.

Go to your nearest A&E, ideally to a hospital with an eye A&E department or you’ll have to go back tomorrow.

Sounds like an optical migraine. They usually last around 20 mins. Often caused by hormones or stress. Just relax and it will pass.

Sounds like a silent migraine.

It's probably a silent migraine and will pass in an hour or less - I find ibuprofen helps. Nothing to worry about if it's that.

You don't need a&e unless it's accompanied by a curtain or web of floaters and the lights are flashing as a pose to an arc of prisms. I work as an optical advisor and optical migraines are very common. I get them myself.

Very much sounds like optical migraine, mine usually pass after twenty mins then I feel washed out for the rest of the day. If it doesn't pass though, def seek urgent help. Mine are triggered by hormones and tiredness.

Given that it’s both eyes it’s most likely to be an optical migraine, however you should go to a and e and be checked over just incase it’s something more serious (stroke, for example) or possibly even retinal issues on both sides although this is very unlikely.

If it doesn't pass soon I'd seek medical advice today. Don't take chances with things like this.

If you have one nearby I'd go to a specific eye hospital that does walk ins or otherwise general A&E.

I had exactly this last week. I didn't feel ill at all and it lasted around half an hour. Never had it before. It started when I was reading something, it was as if I had looked at a light bulb or the sun for too long.

It was as you described being a C shape, flickering hologram.

Ocular migraine I reckon. It's very disturbing as it always stays in the field of vision but is the same size so it's different to a floater which moves about.

I've only had it once. Had an eye test soon after with one of the fancy scans at spec savers only cost £10. all ok.

Sound like an optical migraine. It should only last half an hour or so and you will probably be left tired and with a headache.

If it hasn't gone in an hour get some advice from 111. If it does go shotrtly go and get an eye test soon just to check. I had them occasionally it was very scary when it first happened. The optician sent me for investigations but they never happened again.

It’s getting larger and changing shape. I’ll lie down for a hour and see if it goes. When I close my eyes it’s like a holographic light show though!

It sounds like the aura you get before a migraine. I get them frequently. Usually lasts for around 20-30 minutes and then stops as quickly as it started. Then comes the headache (though not always). However, if it doesn’t go or gets any worse seek medical attention. If it does go, still mention it to your doctor so that it’s on your medical records.

Stop using your phone OP and get some rest. Hope you feel better soon

I get these every so often. Definitely hormone and stress related for me! I can’t see much for about it 20 mins and then it’s fine. Sometimes I’m left with a mild headache but usually I’m absolutely fine afterwards.

it’s quite freaky the first time it happens! I don’t get my first one until I was probably in my late 20s after having my eldest DS. I think the change in hormones is what kicked it all off!

I get these. Migraine aura, exactly as you've described.

I bet these before a migraine.

If when it starts I take 30mg codeine 1g paracetamol and 400mg ibuprofen I can stop them before they start.

But it's pretty odd and mine can stay like that for hours.

Optical migraine. I get them.

It'll pass.

Right they seem to have gone. They got larger and larger and eventually it was like it went outside of my field of vision. Really weird. No headache.

Yes that's exactly what happened with me. I didn't end up with a headache. It's very strange though isn't it. I've no idea what caused mine, the only thing different that day was I had been to the dentist and had quite a bit of anaesthetic so I put it down to that.

Glad that yours has gone.

That's exactly what my migraines do. Sometimes I also stumble with words a bit and feel tingly. A mild headache follows, it's all over within a couple of hours

Good to hear it's gone. I occasionally get these, they're like zigzag lines. Usually followed by a numb hand and dull headache. I find it goes away quicker if I can get home quickly and into a dark room.

If you get this again, good to keep note of when, and try to think of what triggers might be.

I get these but I think they've tailed off since stopping contraception and/or taking Vit B6 every day, so have my coldsores!
I got them bad, but if I take aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine straight away it can stop it in its tracks and I don't suffer for as long. Sometimes the headache comes later with the numbness. Sometimes the headaches are awful.
I would take painkillers anyway, good luck!

Exactly the same as the migraines I get. No headache but a bit wiped out for a few hours. I have only ever had three in my life. First one at around 25 ( am now 57.)

My dad, sister and both of my daughters get these too. They are scary the first time they happen but seem fairly innocuous. I would mention it to the GP as there are certain medications that you shouldn't have if you get migraines.