Flashing Red light.

[ChasNick]

Hello. For the past week or so when I wake up (either asleep in bed or a chair) both eyes receive a flash of red, sometimes green, which lasts a few seconds. Otherwise my vision is ok: My blood pressure is low so there is problem there. Any suggestions why this could be?

[Hidden]

Hello

Because we are not Doctors we cannot honestly say if this is a problem but as you have low blood pressure I would suggest that you speak with your Doctor about it

Do you have a Blood pressure machine at home where you can keep a close eye on your BP to make sure it is not going any lower they are always handy to have so you can check

Please ask your Doctor and let us know how you get on x

[bridgeit]

Any kind of repeated and unexpected flashing light within vision should be investigated. Based on my experience and not medical training (I don't have any) the causes of the kind of visual disturbance you describe can be wide ranging.

I suggest the best place for you to start is with your eye doctor, i.e. optometrist, as soon as possible. They should perform a thorough eye examination that includes dilating the pupils to have a good look around inside the eyes to check the status of the retina, macular and optic nerve as well as your eye pressures.

Be prepared for a referral to see an ophthalmic surgeon at your local hospital as reports of flashing lights, even intermittent flashes, often warrant further investigation. I have had many instances of flashing lights over the years, usually white light. Each time I have been examined then referred by my optometrist to my local hospital's ophthalmic clinic.

Try not to stress, but do get the issue checked out sooner rather than later.

[Mangojamontoast]

concur with Bridgeit - as well as mentioning it to Doc, go to an optician (opthalmerterist!sp?!) who can refer to to a specialist, just in case retina detaching or similar. I did and it was fine (in my case it was a small person ‘gently’ patting me awake and seeing flashing lights…) but I do have v bad vision and am susceptible - a friend did and they were lucky it was all caught in time. Good luck x

[scentedgardener]

Check with your optician. I get random flashes of colour, some momentary, some lasting longer, and my optician has diagnosed occular migraine but said I need to report any changes. Mine are more variable, different colours, different times and last varying lengths of time. First port of call is your optician, and if they can't provide any answers then your GP.

[ChasNick]

Thanks folk, now arranged to see my optician