Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

flashes

what is the difference in flashes and phophenes or are they the same? I know I have one of them in my left eye. I only see it in dim lit rooms, movie theaters , restaurants, etc.... happens when I turn my head from left back toward straight ahead or when I blink. I have had an eye exam by a retinal specialist and there is no retinal tear. I don't know what it is , and it doesn't do it outside or at least I don't see it. Maybe once or twice while wearing sunglasses. I just want to know what this is? Thanks.
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
PHYSIC FLASHES..............

I also have flashes but thay are anything but controllable...they will flash donward in the corner of my eye...They usually happen in the left eye but very rarely in the right eye...and when it happens i know something i am doing is wrong EXAMPLE i said something stupid and got a flash in my left eye...or thought my hair brush was in the bathroom and got a flash in my left eye....I went to the bathroom and the hair brush wasnt there! and just before i tried posting a comment and got a flash in the left eye then got a message that i could no longer post comments...it has also happened in the right eye i was in school and thought of an answer to a question the teacher asked and i got a flash in the RIGHT eye and the teacher said my answer was right.....and actually i remember it happening only once while i was sleeping at my friends house the light flashes were so bright it actually woke me up...and instead of going  from the top of my eye to the bottom it went from the bottom to the top when i was sleeping....then about a month later that friend died in a car accident...i remember hugging someone that didnt really like me AND GOT A FLASH IN MY LEFT EYE...this started happening when i was about 16 and i am now 21 it doesnt happen as frequently as it did but it still happens and i dont know if it is a misfiring in the brain activity or a seriouse eye problem or why it is linked to emotions...and i also dont know if it happens to anyone else....it used to scare me but now i kinda ignore it....and just listen to the eye flashes left eye means what i just thought is wrong and if i get a flash in the right  eye i was right i know it sounds crazy and it doeSnt make sence but its true AND I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF IT HAS HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE?????????
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
technically there is no difference.  both are light sensations from physical stimulation of the retina, not LIGHT stimulation.

but what you're experiencing likely is what we generally call a pressure phosphene.  if the phenomenon only occurs under certain predictable and repeatable conditions that you can control...ie "it flashes when i turn my head to the right" or "it flashes when i blink in a dark room", etc etc.

people who have what we call true "flashes" are people who have flashes on and off under unpredictable and unrepeatable circumstances.  they're sitting at their desk at work, for example, and it starts flashing, and it keeps flashing no matter where they look or whether or not they blink or close their eyes or whatever.  they cannot control the flashes.  those are usualy retinal problems.  

but you can and are controling your flashes.  thats not a true flash IMO.  thats probably a pressure phosphene.  unfixable.

anyone with flashes should get a dilated fundus exam.  but anyone with controllable flashes like yours who has had a dilated fundus exam and no retinal problem was found, thats most likely pressure phosphene.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
A related discussion, Phosphene flashes was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hmmm, that's very interesting ... the flashing in my eye, too, is "controllable" according to those criteria.
curtis, i have noticed it outside also, but only while wearing sunglasses. i suspect it's happening each and every time we blink, but that's it's only visible to us when the  lighting is "right" ... how curious ....
i guess the big question this leaves is WHY would a "new" phosphene just appear out of nowhere??????
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Archive Forum

Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Eye whitening, iris color change, and eyeball "bling." Eye expert Dr. John Hagan warns of the dangers from these unnecessary surgeries.
Eye expert John Hagan, MD, FACS, FAAO discusses factors to consider and discuss with your eye care team before embarking on cataract surgery.
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
Protect against the leading cause of blindness in older adults
Got dry eyes? Eye drops aren't the only option! Ophthalmologist John C. Hagan III, MD explains other possible treatments.