Wellness

[Ainhisg]

Have any of you had any experience with flashing lights in your peripheral vision caused by a vitreous detachment?  How long did it take for the lights to stop?

Mid-March, I started seeing cascading lights in my right eye's peripheral vision.  It would just be when the room was dim/dark and maybe 2 or 3 times an evening tops.  I would sometimes go a couple of days without seeing the lights, but then they would return.  I researched online, and my symptoms indicated a vitreous detachment.  I read symptoms could continue for 3-6 months.

In early April, I saw my optometrist just to be for sure.  I did indeed have a vitreous detachment, but he said it should stop by the beginning of May (approximately 7-8 weeks after it started), and if it hasn't, that I should come back for another checkup, and he will do a little more in-depth testing.  I just wondered if anyone has experienced this.

[Another new name Sue]

I have not had this but wonder if you should be seeing an MD, an ophthalmologist. Good luck with the condition. 

[gizmogal]

Maybe it’s time to see a doctor? An ophthalmologist might be more helpful  for your condition than an optometrist. There are benefits to medical training and clinical experience greater than optometry school. At least you can get more reassurance than hoping a few weeks more will relieve it. 

[NicksmomESQ]

    I don’t want to alarm you but you should see an ophthalmologist.You could have a detached retina which would need to be lasered to protect your vision in that eye.DH had a vitreous detachment last summer.The optometrist advised him to see an ophthalmologist.

   He saw the ophthalmologist who ruled out a detached retina.His condition has improved considerably but hasn’t completely disappeared yet.He goes for regular checkups to make sure his retina isn’t detaching.

  Good luck @Ainhisg  

[Junebug54]

@Ainhisg  I had the exact same thing about a year ago.   I did see an apthalmologist and was told it would decrease in a few weeks and it did.  Haven't had an issue since.   Good luck.   

[shoppersince1989]

I have had that.  Saw it more at night, and it flashed as a sliver.

Did go to an ophthalmologist, and later a retina specialist.

It was a vitreous detachment.  Sign of aging, or as the doc called it "Like a wrinkle in my eye" (sigh).

Eventually it did stop flashing.

About a year later, the same thing happened to the other eye.

[blueroses47]

I did have a bout with this, the flashing lights and floaters, about 4 years ago.  It came on suddenly.  I had it checked out, and went back for a 2nd checkup.  The symptoms subsided and I was told I was okay

The following year, I had a problem with my retina but had no warning signal like the flashing and floaters.  All of a sudden, straight lines appeared wavy.  I immediately went to the eye doctor, and was told I had a wrinkled retina caused by the pulling away of the vitreous fluid.  There is a procedure to try to smooth the retina, but it doesn't have guaranteed good results (the dr said "80% of the people experience a 40% improvement.) so they don't do it unless you are desperate, I guess.

I have to say this bad eye has been the bane of my existance.  It really has changed my vision and annoys me greatly. It's been a rough adjustment, for all activities, even reading and watching television.   Often I cover the bad eye, just for some relief and wanting to see clearly.

I don't want to say the flashes or spots had anything directly to do with this "wrinkling", but it was the predecessor, so that's when I say all my problems began.

I know people who have had the flashes, and of course, the "floaters", and nothing serious comes of it, so that can definately be the case. 

I guess it's different for everyone.  I do see a retina specialist regularly.

[tucsongal]

Last year I suddenly developed flashes and floaters and immediately went to see a retina specialist. I’m fine but later needed a laser treatment(for another issue). I don’t believe that an optometrist is qualified to manage such issues.

[BLH]

A vitreous detachment is very common.  A piece of the gel like substance in your eye breaks loose and it floats around.  Sometimes it just happens. It can be very large or very small.  It can come from a large hard sneeze or something like that.  I'm sure your optometrist would send you to a retina specialist if they thought it was necessary.  I wouldn't be jumping or bouncing around or making any sudden moves with my head.  If it gets worse then you have to go back to your doctor.

[Ainhisg]

Thank you for the replies.  Believe me--I would have rather seen an ophthalmologist!  I saw my optometrist for two reasons:  1)  I could get in the next day, and 2) I can't get into any ophthalmologist without a referral (and from whom--I don't know.)  I found this out several years ago when I started having ocular migraines and wanted to see an ophthalmologist.

I think I will call the two ophthalmologist offices in my insurance plan and see if this condition will warrant someone seeing me without a referral or if I need a referral, see from whom I need to get one.

ETA:  I just called the office that has the better reputation, and someone is going to call me back later today.  The receptionist said she didn't have any immediate openings.  I wonder what someone is supposed to do in case of emergency?  I mean, I know what to look for in case of a retinal detachment.  If that would happen, who would I call or where would I go?  The emergency room?