Occasional Flashes In Peripheral Vision
The sudden onset of flashing lights, a noticeable increase in the amount of floaters, a shadow in your peripheral vision, or a gray curtain moving across your field of vision could be signs of a. Of course, if you see such lines in your vision – this is an excuse to see a doctor and not to self-medicate. Contact your ophthalmologist if you find one or more of the following symptoms: seeing waves in peripheral vision (out of corner of eye) seeing white lines in your vision; having blurry waves in peripheral vision; jagged line in. Double vision (without one eye covered), Flickering lights in vision, Flickering uncolored zig-zag line in vision, Floating spots or strings in vision: Distortion of part of visual field, Flickering lights in vision, Sudden flash of lights: Blind spot in vision, Blurred vision, Flickering lights in vision, Flickering uncolored zig-zag line in. Seeing flashing lights in peripheral vision White flashes in peripheral vision Seeing yellow spots in vision Disclaimer: The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I recently had flashing in my peripheral vision while trying to write a text message on my cellphone. I'm 28, haven't been driving recently in pretty good shape and have no known medical condition (although a month ago I came down with adult chicken pox which can be really serious in men and now have to deal with a bed bug infestation on recovery) and BP is always good.
Floaters
Floaters are actually cellular debris within the vitreous, the jelly-like fluid that fills the inside of the eye. They may be seen as strings, streaks, clouds, bugs, dots, dust, or spider webs. These objects appear to be in front of the eye, but they are really floating in this fluid, and at the same time, casting their shadows on the retina, the light sensing inner layer of the eye. The debris could be made up of blood, torn retinal tissue, inflammation, vitreous detachment, or could simply mean a normal aging change in the vitreous. Floaters could also signify retinal tears that might be threatening for vision loss.
The vitreous fluid degenerates during the middle age years, often forming minute debris within the eye. Floaters are also often noticed in people who are nearsighted (myopic), and those who have been operated on for cataract or Yag laser surgery.
Floaters could interfere with reading, and can be quite bothersome. Even though there is no treatment or cure, they may slowly fade out over time. One possible remedy is to move the eyes up and down when a floater appears. The vitreous fluid may shift, thus permitting the floater to move out of the line of vision.
For the most part, floaters are usually nothing to worry about, being simply a result of the normal aging development. Usually it is recommended to see an Ophthalmologist within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, as floaters could also denote a serious eye disease such as retinal detachment. The vitreous covers the retina surface, and sometimes the retina is torn when degenerating vitreous is pulled away. This leads to a small amount of bleeding, which may be interpreted as a new cluster of floaters. A torn retina is serious, and could possibly develop into a retinal detachment. Consequently, any new floaters that appear should be seen and evaluated by a doctor.
Flashers
When the vitreous gel rubs against or pulls on the retina, it can produce the illusion of flashing lights. Flashers can be perceived as a sparkle, disco light, fireflies, lightning, fire works, or sparks. The same experience can happen after being hit in the eye, giving the illusion of seeing stars. All of these flashers are generated by any abnormal stimulus to the retina.
Light flashes can happen on and off for many weeks, or even some months. This is a common occurrence during the aging process, and it is generally not cause for concern. At times, however, a significant number of new floaters will appear, accompanied by light flashes, and partial sight loss of peripheral vision could occur. If this happens, it is important to see an ophthalmologist quickly in order to evaluate whether the cause is a torn retina or retina detachment.
Migraine flashers appear as zigzag, shimmering, or even colorful, lines that may move within the visual field. They usually last from five to thirty minutes and can occur in both eyes at once. They are most likely caused by a sudden spasm of blood vessels in the brain. These flashers are often associated with headache, nausea, or dizziness, but more often occur without such symptoms. In this case, they are commonly called an ophthalmic migraine, or a migraine without the other accompanying symptoms.
As in the case with floaters, an eye specialist should attend to any abrupt onset of an abundance of light flashes. The exam would involve close observation of the retina and vitreous fluid.
Floaters and Flashers are common visual symptoms that can be representative of normal aging changes in the eye or the onset of an eye disease that could lead to vision loss if left unattended. It is always prudent to consult an eye specialist when such vision changes occur.
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Principal source: www.revophth.com
Have you ever seen a momentary black spot in your vision? How about rugged white lines? Something that looks like heat waves sparkling in your peripheral vision?
Jagged Lines in a Vision: Causes and Symptoms
If you have, you may have been experiencing what is referred to as an ocular migraine. Ocular migraines take place when capillary spasm in the visual center of the brain (the occipital lobe) or the retina.
They can take on a number of various symptoms however usually last from a few minutes to an hour. They can take on either positive or negative visual symptoms indicating they can produce what looks like a black blocked out area in your vision (negative symptom) or they can produce visual symptoms that you see however understand aren’t really there like heat waves or rugged white lines that look nearly like lightning streaks (positive symptoms).
Some individuals do get a headache after the visual symptoms however many people do not. They get the visual symptoms which resolve on their own in under an hour and after that usually just feel slightly out of sorts after the episode however don’t get a considerable headache. The majority of episodes last about 20 minutes however can go on for an hour. The hallmark of this problem is that when the visual phenomenon solves the vision returns totally back to normal with no residual change or defect.
If you have this happen for the first time it can be fairly scary and it is a good idea to have a thorough eye examination by your eye doctor or eye doctor not long after the episode to be sure there is nothing else causing the problem.
There are other things besides an ocular migraine that can trigger similar symptoms. Flashing lights and new drifting spots in your vision could be the indication of a retinal tear or detachment (see I’m seeing new floating spots in my vision, what should I do?).
Many individuals who get ocular migraines tend to have them occur in clusters. They will get 3 or four episodes within a week and after that may not have another one for numerous months or even years.
There are some attributes that raise your threat for ocular migraines. The greatest one is an individual history of having migraine headaches. Having a family history of migraines likewise raises your threat as does a history of movement sickness.
Seeing Flickering Light In Peripheral Vision
Although the symptoms can trigger a great deal of stress and anxiety, especially on the first incident, ocular migraines seldom trigger any long term issues and nearly never need treatment as long as they are not accompanied by significant headaches.
So if symptoms like this unexpectedly take place in your vision attempt to stay calm, pull over if you are driving, and just await them to disappear. If they persist for longer than an hour, then you need to look for immediate medical attention.
When to See a Doctor?
Of course, if you see such lines in your vision – this is an excuse to see a doctor and not to self-medicate. Contact your ophthalmologist if you find one or more of the following symptoms:
What Causes Eye Flashes
- seeing waves in peripheral vision (out of corner of eye)
- seeing white lines in your vision
- having blurry waves in peripheral vision
- jagged line in vision field
- edge of vision shimmering (sometimes, constantly)
- waves in eyesight and headache
- jagged flashing lights in vision
- mirage vision in eyes, etc.