Flashing circles of light

[Marty16]

About 3 months ago I began seeing flashing ring shaped circles of lights for just a second when I turn the lights out at night or rollover in bed. At first it was in one eye, and now it is in both. I suffer from very dry eyes. I also am probably diabetic. I went to an eye doctor and did not find any signs of a detached retina. I also have very bad allergies to perfume, smoke and caffeine, which case my eyes to become very bloodshot and painful, and sensitive to light. I have had this problem for nearly 30 years. the flashing lights are very  new however, and worry me.
Marty

[Susana739]

I saw flashing lights circles of light. I went to eye specialist
After examining my eyes he said these exact words "Your eyes are fine
It is a vascular problem." He diagnosed it but was unable to fix it
it.

[kgw1117]

thank you so much for your comments and explanations. it helps so much to know what is happening. i am 2 weeks post-op my 3rd surgery for retinal detachment. my 1st being in nov. 2008 with 50% then jan  it was 80% and this last time it was 70%. i too feel that my dr. is not explaining anything. i am not having the small circles of flashing lights and know that it is pulling again. i have scar tissue which pulls. i have the buckle, oil bubble and lens removal and this time i had to have scleral grafting because a hole was there and my scleral was too thin to close over it. i just dont know if i can tolerate another. at what point do i say enough?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

This is due to vitreous traction.  The retina send a signal to the brain when hit by light or moved by the vitreous, or pushed from the outside.  The brain interprets this as light.

You should be checked by an ophthalmologist is flashes become associated with floaters or are present in normal lighting.

Dr. O.