Wellness

[ID2]

Every time I see my ophthalmologist they always ask if I've had any flashing in my vision. I'd get into a doctor ASAP because it really doesn't sound good.

[PinkyPetunia]

You get the referral from your primary care doctor.  Do you have one?  Call their office and say you need a referral to an opthalmologist.  

[Ainhisg]

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@PinkyPetunia wrote:

You get the referral from your primary care doctor.  Do you have one?  Call their office and say you need a referral to an opthalmologist.  

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Thank you!  Yes, I have a primary care doctor.  The ophthalmologist office is supposed to call me back this afternoon.  If they can't get me in to see a doctor in a reasonable amount of time, I will call my doctor's office to get a referral from him.  Do you think that will speed the process along?

[Dawnie]

I experienced vitreous detachment also.  I immediately seen a retina specialist and continue to do so yearly. 

Since taking Andrew Lessman eye supplements my floaters have disappeared.  I don’t see the flashing lights anymore either.  

[Ainhisg]

Thank you, everyone, for sharing your experiences.  The ophthalmologist office called back, and the way this office works, is that I have to see one of their optometrists first who does a dilation and every test an ophthalmologist would do--according to the person who called.  They only take medical insurance as they are specialists in vision correction and diseases.  Then if he deems there is a problem, I'm referred to an ophthalmologist right there in the building. I decided to go ahead and do that, since that would get me established in their practice. Also, if I would have a problem between now and my Wednesday appointment, I am to call them as they have a doctor on staff 24/7.  

[Tribesters]

@Ainhisg 

@blueroses47

I have suffered with this for years.  Blueroses47 explains it very well. I have made a couple trips to the eye doctor to rule out a detached retina. I am surprised some people have said the symptoms subside after a while. That hasn’t been the case for me. However, I’ve learned to try to avoid looking at bright lights which seems to help trigger the flashing lights. I’ve also been researching ocular migraines- which may also cause flashing lights-see paragraph below. 

During an ocular migraine, or migraine with aura, you may see flashing or shimmering lights, zigzagging lines, or stars. Some people describe psychedelic images. It may also cause blind spots in your field of vision. 

Since I sometimes have blind spots in my vision I am leaning towards ocular migraines causing my flashing lights. But I have been diagnosed with a macular pucker & vitreous detachment as well. So perhaps the lights, if caused by the vitreous detachment, will subside. 

[Elri]

@Ainhisg

I am pretty sure a vitreous detachment is a natural occurrence as the vitreous humor  takes time to fully detach from the retina.  It can cause the visual flashes, etc.  I think that your flashes, etc., will eventually go away.  BUT 

You should still check with an ophthalmologist.  A retinal doctor.  Take no chances.  It may be causing retinal problems and you need a professional retinal surgeon to take a look.

I have vitreomacular traction.  The vitreous cannot detach and is pulling so hard on the retina that my sight has gone from 20/30 to 20/100 (with glasses).   I hope and pray that it does detach (gently) and that I get my regular vision back. 

[Elri]

@Ainhisg

I also hope and pray that your eyes are fine and it is nothing serious!!!  I sent post  before I finished.

[Ainhisg]

Thank you, @Elri , and everyone else.  I'm glad you all encouraged me to see someone else.  

[Elri]

@blueroses47

Yes, It is most frustrating and depressing.  I know what you are experiencing. 

Ophthalmology has supposedly advanced in the last few years--but not nearly enough to restore vision without the frequency of serious problems after the surgery.

I am glad your other eye is unaffected.