I see flashes of light on the upper right edge of my right eye

 

 

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/28/2019 - 07:25
Country
Australia
Age
45
Gender
Female
Did you perform any surgery for the eyes?
No
Do you suffer from pre-existing illnesses in the eye?
No
Do you suffer from any diseases in the body?
No
Do you use any eye drops?
No
Do you wear Contact lenses or Eyeglasses?

Eyeglasses

Question

 

 

Hi,

Tonight I first noticed bright flashes happening in the upper right edge of my right eye. At first, I thought I was seeing reflections in the side of my glasses. Once I had eliminated that possibility I realized it was within my eye, right at the very edge.

Having heard of retinal detachment and thought I had heard of people seeing flashes in their eye with RD condition.

I did a web search and found that the symptoms of RD were the same as what I was experiencing. I discovered also a condition known as PVD (Posterior vitreous Detachment) also causes these flashes.

How soon should I see an Ophthalmologist? My day tomorrow, Friday, is very busy for me and then it is the weekend. Will it be ok to wait to see an eye doctor on Monday?

I do not know if there are eye doctors at my local hospital.

Regards,

John

Answer

Thanks for your Question

 

 

Most of the time, seeing flashes of lights is associated with posterior vitreous detachment.These flashes of lights occurs because while the vitreous is detached from the retina, it will mechanically stimulate the photoreceptors cells causing flashes of light.

Sometimes, while the vitreous detached, it can cause retinal holes or retinal detachment due to strong adhesion between the vitreous and retina. Retinal detachment is associated with flashes of lights and loss of vision.

Around 10% of patients with symptomatic Posterior vitreous detachment will have retinal hole.

I always advice my patients to visit the doctor within days after the first experience of flashes of lights and visit the doctor as soon as possible if these flashes associated with blurred vision.