Seeing flashes at nighttime - emergency optician appointment and I'm worried

[lilybit2025]

Hi all, last few months I've been seeing flashes when I close my eyes or look about a dark room especially at night. At first, I thought it was car headlights passing the house and then realised it was just me who could see them and not my partner. I have an emergency eye appointment tomorrow to get my eyes diluted and checked over.

has anyone experienced this before and had a positive outcome? I'm an over worrier!

I’ve had this many times. At its worst it could be signs of a detached retina (which can usually be fixed with very quick surgery) but most likely a PVD - post vitreous detachment which happens to everyone as we age, earlier if you’re short sighted, and it’s the jelly pulling away from the back of the eye. Usually it settles once the jelly has detached, I’ve had PVDs in both eyes (I’m very short sighted - 9.50 both eyes). Hopefully the optician can put your mind at rest.

How did you get on at the appointment?