Seeing red thunderstorm-like lines when looking at black stripes

[imaginarypeople]

Hey,
I am worried that something may be wrong with my eyes. When i look at black stripes i see red thunderstorm-like lines that occur perpendicularly to the black stripes. This occurs on any form of black stripes, and this occurs regardless the distance(except less than 20cm). The red lines are not static but they are dynamic. This has been occuring for some time now but i was not quite sure if it was something very serious until lately when i began worrying about it.

Any help on what this could be, is appreciated( I am 19 years old and i have been recently diagnosed with 0.5 degree of astigmatism, not sure if degree is the right word, but the red lines thing has been occurring long before)

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Your symptoms are not caused by the slight amount of astigmatism you have.  I recommend that you see an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam, and mention any oral medicines (prescription or over-the-counter) which you are taking.

[imaginarypeople]

Any person with advice?