Flashing, Shinmer in Periphery

[besottedblue]

I have a question that stumped my retinal specialist and thought maybe someone here might have a lead. There’s continuous flashing in the right periphery of my right eye, the same one with my macular degeneration. It’s almost like a shimmer or tv static. It’s there whether my eye is open or closed. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Hidden]

Hi besottedblue

My first thought is 'visual or ocular migraine', which I get from time to time. In my case there is no headache attached to it either before or after the event. For about 20 mins my left eye is absolutely useless and my right eye, although not directly affected by it, feels uncomfortable. As far as I know, it has nothing to do with eye problems but is triggered by some reaction in the brain for various reasons.

Such episodes can reoccur but if it is a continuous state I suggest you see your GP for advise. Wishing you all the best.

[besottedblue in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply. I’m sorry you get those migraines. I had my retina specialist check it out Thursday and he found no obvious reason for the flashing.

[Hidden]

I had flashing lights in my eye, open and closed and it was very frightening. Went to Moorfields and was told it was vitreous detachment

[besottedblue in reply to Hidden]

I was scared of that too, my retina specialist checked and found no obvious reason for the flashing.

[larfalottie]

Hi besottedblue

I have this too. It started very recently. Initially it was thought to be 'ocular migraine' (as ayayay has written) before being diagnosed as the gel inside the eye detaching from the retina and pulling on it causing flashing (in my case age related, sigh here!). I'm told it's a natural and very 'common' change and to not worry. My local optometrist told me to go along to A&E eye dept so I did straight away and there they said of utmost importance is to check the retina for any tear and if there's not one just be calm and wait for things to settle down. Do get checked ~ it's a simple procedure hopefully with a diagnosis for you in minutes. Hope this helps you feel a bit more at ease. Very best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to larfalottie]

"before being diagnosed as the gel inside the eye detaching from the retina and pulling on it causing flashing" - this is what I was told was a vitreous detachment.

[larfalottie in reply to Hidden]

That's right, it is.

[besottedblue]

Thanks for all this info and your good wishes! I had my retina specialist check it out Thursday and he found no obvious reason for the flashing. Hopefully it will resolve itself...

[Jayral]

Agree that this can be caused by PVD as stated by others above, a natural sign of ageing in many people and most are unaware that it has happened. In my case, it did cause a retinal tear in my “macular degeneration eye” and now, a few years later, still at times see that shimmer you mention on the periphery and, of course, the horse shoe shaped floater also caused by vitreous detachment, probably always there, just sometimes the brain ignores it! My good eye, made even better by cataract surgery, has many floaters caused by PVD but again the brain does its best to ignore them especially as the day goes on. This eye malarkey never ceases to surprise us!

[larfalottie in reply to Jayral]

It's the first time I've seen 'horse shoe shaped floaters' mentioned anywhere and it's a perfect description of what it's like...

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear besottedblue,

It may possibly be Charles Bonnet Syndrome. I am coping a link to our booklet on Visual Hallucinations:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

There is a reference to flashes of light on p. 3.

However, if you notice any sudden deterioration in your sight, please ensure that you attend e.g. the opticians or the emergency eye clinic straight away.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,