Occasional white light flash in my peripheral vision

[el_bubu]

I am seeing an intermittant flash of white light in my left peripheral vision that looks like a moving circle or C.  I can see it with my eye open or closed and it seems to be worse at times.  Sometimes I don't notice it, but if I am in a dark ambient environment, I can sometimes see it flash every few seconds.  Sometimes I don't notice it at all.  I am 47 y.o. and it just started a few months ago.  Any ideas?

[jlg12]

I am having the same symptoms as you and it started suddenly.  Have you found out anything yet?

[NY2CA]

This was copied from perret-optic.com and may explain it (I get them also).

The vitreous is a gel-like fluid which fills most of the eye. As people age, this vitreous becomes more and more liquefied. The vitreous has loose attachments to the retina, and more firm attachments to the optic nerve. At some point in a person's life, the vitreous liquefies enough to shift position in the eye. When this occurs, usually between age 50 and 70, the back edge of the vitreous will pull forward away from the retina, leading to a "vitreous detachment". This is generally a normal process, although it may happen abnormally early in cases of high nearsightedness or trauma. As the vitreous detaches, it tugs on the retina.*** This is perceived as a flash of light, similar to a lightning flash in the corner of the vision.*** It may occur especially with eye movement, since the vitreous moves in the eye. Debris pulled off of the optic nerve and retina are then seen as floaters, suspended in the vitreous above the retina. Sometimes this is described as a cobweb, a net, a string, or a fly over the vision.


These symptoms usually resolve over a period of days to weeks, although some people will continue to see the floaters for a longer period of time. The important thing is to determine that the retina is healthy as the vitreous detaches. This requires a careful dilated examination of the retina to look for tears, or other areas which may be at risk for tearing. A retinal tear can then lead to retinal detachment, if not treated. Thus, people experiencing these symptoms should be examined by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. (Note, only about 1 in 10,000 cases of vitreous detachment lead to retinal detachment, but it still is one of the most common causes of retinal detachment.)

[debbieafirrest]

great advice.  I read that also.  If you can by all means have it checked.  It is considered a medical exam not exam like from your eye plan.  Usually $80.00

[debbieafirrest]

great advice.  I read that also.  If you can by all means have it checked.  It is considered a medical exam not exam like from your eye plan.  Usually $80.00

[dvigil]

thank you

[Merianthe]

glad to hear this is a common problem, I'm 60 and have been experiencing the flashing light in my left eye for several months.  I do have high blood pressure and I was worried it was related to stroke.  I do not have any health insurance and can't afford expensive tests, but I think I can afford an eye exam to verify the problem.

[emilylime222]

I just got back from the eye doctor for the exact same problem. The C did not move for me. When I moved my eye. the C stayed in the same place. It was diagnosed as an ocular migraine. I experienced nausea the day after and light and sound sensitivity.

[babit18]

hi there! I was experiencing occasional occurrence of spots bright balls falling on my left peripheral vision. I'm 25 years old/ female. This concerns me too much since it was only occasional before but i noticed recently they appear almost every hour. Still, I haven't consulted an eye specialist because of my busy schedule. I am hoping someone could tell me what exactly am I experiencing? thank you.  

[BrianGall]

Thanks NY2CA.

The flashes started tonite (7-17-12) and occur in my peripheral when I move my head side to side.

I'll see if it goes away this week, and may need to get it checked to see if retinal detachment is occurring.

Regards,

Brian