Hi,
Has anyone ever experienced a flashing light from the corner of there eye. I’ve had this happen today and it was such a scary experience. I think I could have thyroid eye disease and it is a symptom of that maybe or because I am currently changing my dose.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/992...
Thanks
How long did it last?
There’s a phenomenon known as migraine aura (you don’t necessarily get a headache). Only happened to me once but from what you said it could well have been that.
migrainetrust.org/understan...
It happened when I was driving but just about home, I just ignored it but then when I got in the house it felt awful, like a reflected light in the right corner of my right eye. I got scared and felt panicked. It lasted about 20-25 minutes.
I just changed my dose round from 87.5 T4 and 30 T3 to 100 T4 and 25 T3 as T4 was 14 (10-22) and T3 was 7.5 (3.1-6.8).
For me (and my Dad, who suffered from this a lot (he never had thyroid issues) this sounds like classic migraine with aura. He used to say he could set his watch by it—that it would last almost exactly 30 minutes.
As I said, I’ve only ever had it once but luckily, thanks to knowing my Dad experience it, I knew what it was. It’s really scary because you can’t make it stop. But then it does.
For me, it was definitely stress related.
I have this, the first time it was alarming, no pain but just a zig zag light that goes gradually round your eye and completes the cycle in 20 to 30 minutes. I googled it and they described it just as it happened to me and said it was harmless. I still get them, but very occasionally. I did suffer from horrendous proper migraines in my youth and I do have Hashimotos, so don't know if either are connected.
I'm starting to think everything is connected. I have suffered migraine for many years, had surgery for it in 2000, I have hashimoto, I get carpal tunnel, fat deposits mostly in my left leg, but used to be my whole body, flashing lights, nausea, joint swelling, stiff joints, muscle aches, fatigue, dry skin, apnea, arthritis.
However, when I take care of myself gor at least a week, it all goes, everything.
I believe it all stems from the crown of the endocrine system, the pituitary gland.
I get what I believe to be encephalitis,
Steam inhaler with pink salt or licorice root, at least twice a day for a week helps no end
Have a look here: healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Could be a changing dosage thing. Not for all but possibly for some. And for others it looks like it might be ferritin level related?
I was thinking the same. More likely migraine type symptom. I don’t think it’s related to TED, as can cause blurry or double vision and can cause you to be sensitive to light but the visual disturbance you describe isn’t a listed symptom.
I have migraines which start with pretty colours & lights but I become very nauseous & painful headache. Stress & noise is definitely a factor for me & when FT3 is higher they occur more frequently.
Sounds like a migraine of some sort.
I get them like that - they start as a little sparkle C shape at one side of my vision - or a spot in the centre as if I’ve stated at a light bulb. The sparkly C shape spreads out and gets bigger until it disappears out of my vision altogether. It doesn’t take long and I usually take a paracetamol in case I get an headache but I never do and I never feel sick. It’s a bit weird first time it happens.
You can also get a thing called a posterior vitreous detachment - I’ve had them in both eyes, it tends to be an age related thing - nothing to do with the migraine flashes but the outline of where it detached used to sparkle for me which was annoying at the time, you could book an appointment with an optician to get that checked out
dont mean to worry you but please check symptoms of detached retina. It probably isnt that but if you have those symptoms it needs urgent care.
Good idea - a quick trip to an optician should be able to sort that out. A lot of practices are open on Sundays and hopefully if poster explains her symptoms someone will advise her what to do next, opticians can do direct referrals to hospitals, don’t even think of trying to see a GP.
I tried to see optician, refused to see me and told me to go to A&E.
Got appointment to see consultant next day.
They can do that if they haven’t got space and think your symptoms merit further investigation.
If you give them benefit of doubt... you will believe this 👍
consultant thought that they were more interested in selling frames than seeing patients 😜
Oh dear oh dear - that may apply to some optometry practices but my husband is a retired optometrist and that was most definitely not the case in any of the practices where he worked for 40+ years and he tested the eyes of several of the senior eye specialists in our area and their families.
Besides from what I have seen over the years many consultants are not exactly slow in selling their skills for their own private work.
Indeed, it was my friend (retired optician) who sent me straight to get it checked by an optician, and he was also surprised when he heard my story...
Times are changing?
Actually things possibly are changing - when I looked through my husband’s copy of Optometry Today recently I commented that it has become a lot more business orientated but as husband says that is because in England opticians are paid something like £23.53 per eye test - they were given a 39pence rise on 1st April 2024 to bring it up to that princely sum.
Compare that to seeing a consultant at one of our local private hospitals where according to their website the average charges are between £160 -£240 with more for ‘extras’ for example £54 extra for a visual field check, OCT costs £107 extra, DVLA vision test costs £82.50 extra.
A plumber would charge you a lot more to change a washer on your tap than you pay for an eye test.
I pay my garage more for my annual MOT and my hairdresser a lot more than people pay for an eye test. Last week I paid my podiatrist £62 and I had to pay £80 to have my ears microsuctioned a couple of weeks ago. I have been told by a hospital audiometrician and the hospital hearing aid technician that I need to have them done but because neither wrote to my GP saying that, I have to have a telephone interview with my GP practice next week to see if they will let me have it done at their main practice. I have a feeling the answer could well be no. So compared to that lot opticians have a very rough deal.
That is still no reason to turn away someone who has a problem although if they are fully booked the optom can’t just take a ‘quick look’ because for a start the patient will need drops which take time to take effect so they are squashed in between two appointments, on top of that they aren’t doing a full eye test so they can’t charge a fee and so end up basically doing the work for nothing and it really is a lot of work which is why the advice is go to A&E.
When you look at what optician’s are being paid it is no surprise really that a lot of them depend on selling frames and lenses.
Flashes of light, lightning bolts, like a brown curtain coming down over your eye any of these are indicative of a torn or detached retina. I had one in 2017 and I am still dealing with it as it must be dealt with within the first 24 to 48 hours to be repaired properly do not delay get it checked out no matter what you think it is or isn't it is not worth dealing with this. Good luck.
Definitely a possibility for torn or detached retina. Please see my message below.
I had different colour for a few second in my left eye, no headache. Went to drs who got in touch with optician to see me asap. I was told it could be the gel in the eye that might have detached but couldn’t see anything at the moment. Optician advised if it happened again go straight to hospital. It sometimes feels a bit rough under eyelid but then disappears and I have had eye tests since then but nothing is found by local opticians.
It sounds like a PVD it usually happens when the jelly comes away from the retina, it's associated with age. I had it happen to me last year.I was diagnosed with it..I had a light flashing in the corner of my eye, also shapes like cobwebs floating. I was examined at the opticians, He checked for tears in the retina that can occur when the jelly detaches itself The lights and the shapes will disappear after a couple of months....
I have had a considerable number of migraines with aura. I'm very aware that the precise visual effects vary a lot. Even for me, any two migraines can seem either almost identical or totally different.
It is difficult to be sure, but I think I do tend to get them when my dosing with levothyroxine is wrong or changing.
I'll add a video below - and there are many, many more on YouTube and elsewhere.
For me, there is very little headache. But I do feel somewhat washed out for hours after, possibly a couple of days. And as I have got older, their impact has been less severe - despite being more frequent.
Two additional thoughts. First, mine last around twenty minutes or so. Second, sometimes they are the most beautiful things I have ever seen! Always nice to find something positive in an experience.
Thanks.
Did you feel as though at times with those you were looking through a looking glass with your eye? That’s how it felt with my right eye, it’s hard to describe, like a reflected light and as though I was looking through a looking glass. Went on for about 20-25 mins. Thanks
My most common form has been close to what is in the video.
I've attached a screenshot of a Google image search for "migraine aura":
google.com/search?sca_esv=0...
For me, sometime there is a greyish central area like middle row, second from right. But have also had times when it has been like middle bottom row with the central area being super-clear. Did you mean like that? It does feel a bit like viewing down a telescope or a camera viewfinder.
Sometimes the artifices are almost pure black and white, sometimes multicoloured.
The visual effects sometimes seem fairly stable over the time I'm getting the aura. But sometimes I'm very aware of it developing and changing.
I run out of words to describe the auras! Hence using mocked up images - some of which are extremely good.
However, to emphasise what others have said, if you have any suspicion of it being a real eye issue, get to an eye hospital if you can - one with an Accident & Emergency unit. There's not many and they tend to be very spread out. If you cannot make it, a result A&E should be able to check. (Yes - I know how bad they can be these days.)
Totally agree on the beautiful nature of the aura, I liken it to those kaleidoscopes that we had as children (you may need to be over a certain age to remember those😉). Mine start with a not so nice loss of an area of vision - I was writing last week and couldn’t see the end of any words - but progress to an almost enjoyable light show. Do feel dreadful and washed out after for a good day or so though, no headache at all. I didn’t realise how common they were as I’ve not met anyone else with them, so was quite surprised by the replies here.
For information, having had an eye problem a few weeks ago and been unable to be seen by my usual optician, I was directed to my local Specsavers who run a minor eye emergency service for the NHS. They were brilliant. Triaged there and given an appointment a few days later as they didn’t feel it was an emergency. A very thorough examination. It’s a self referral walk in service but they do say if they are closed to go to A &E. Seemed strange this is not more widely known about - or at least I’ve not spoken to anyone else who knew about it either.
I agree with Helvella, it sounds like migraine with aura. These are painless. I had them for quite a few years after the birth of my son and the first time was really scary as I had no idea what it was. I believe that hormonal changes caused them in my case. It would start with a flickering light in one corner of my vision then gradually flicker and zigzag across my whole vision then small bits of my vision would black out. The visual disturbance would pass after about 20 minutes but I would be left feeling very dull headed for the next 24 hrs. I went to the doctor after the first one and he said I needed to see a psychiatrist for this. What a joke! I went to the library instead and researched and found that migraine with aura was the exact same thing I had. (This was well before the internet was even thought of)
They stopped for many years but came back for a very short spell when I was put on T3 for a short time about 6 years ago.
I hope this helps and takes the scariness away for you as I think they are pretty harmless although very weird. All best wishes to you.
Just to add another angle to this. I have experianced flashing in the right bottom outer corner of my right eye since I had my cataract op. At first it was quite regular and would happen in spasms of around 6 at a time, I could count them. Blinking could bring it on and closing my eyes before sleeping briefly also started it.
This has gradually got less and less to the point I hardly now notice it and only recently realised they had almost gone.
Of course my ophthalmologist has monitored it but didn’t know what it was as nothing was wrong with the eye and thought it could be brain related. It was a bit like bubbles coming up from the bottom of my eye as lights.
I’m going to show him this article to see if any of these causes could have caused mine.
Hi Denny, I’ve had similar, harmless auras/ocular migraines.
But someone above suggested googling symptoms of detached retina.
There’s a huge, urgent and critical different between the weird light patterns and sparkles/flashes that are harmless…
And…
Detached retina - which can also be explained as pops/flashes of light, which if you ever experience you just go to the emergency room immediately. When it starts, it can be addressed quickly, but if you wait, it can cause permanent grey patches/blindness in your vision.
Sounds like you’re fine, but what do we know from one post : ) please Google detached retina just so you know the difference.
Going to the ER will only waste time. Only and ophthalmologist will be able to assess your situation and time is of the essence. I had a torn and detached retina in 2017 which was not dealt with timely and have permanent damage. Good luck.
I was just saying that getting immediate medical attention would be better than waiting until a doctors office’s regular hours.
If it’s a Friday night, or middle of the night, better to get some help than wait, but also - by your answer, maybe there’s a difference depending on the country you’re in? US emergency rooms would definitely be able to help, maybe different in UK?
Eye hospitals with Accident & Emergency facilities are few and far between.
If one is within striking distance, it would likely be worth going to one. But there comes a point at which it might be better to go to a standard A&E.
However, probably best to first call 111. If nothing else, they should be able to identify where best to go and, if needed, arrange ambulance transport.
Yes , here in the US it would be 911 (our 111 I think), and a regular hospital emergency room, which you would hope would have some eye capabilities. Similar here - bigger cities better, smaller - you’d cross your fingers. Sounds the same here and there - get the fastest help however that happens.
Our 911 is 999 (except we can still dial 112 as was added when we were in the EU).
111 is more of an advice line - ring and ask where to go. 111 calls can (I think) be escalated to the 999 services.
Ah! Then, at the country-level, we only have 911 (999). It’s effectiveness is a story for another day!
Going to A&E will get you referred to ophthalmologist in the hospital if you go to a big hospital as we can’t just go to the eye dept without being referred, but eyes are very important so if there is a problem don’t waste time.
I don't live in the UK I'm in the US and we have totally different process. Hospital ERs are not equipped with Ophthalmologists or equipment or surgery options. Those are in private offices. The key here is to be seen immediately for the best outcome.
I had the flickering effect once, a few months ago. Panic reduced because I remembered my mother saying her doctor had said she was having migraines without the headache. Looked it up, symptoms fitted and the effect had stopped in half an hour, as predicted.I knew about detaching retinas as she suffered from this decades earlier and yes, it was a "go to the eye hospital . Now." job. Just when they were starting to use laser treatment for repairs., very late 1970s , I think.
I get that when I am about to get a migraine. The migraines went away for some years and came back recently. It is not related to my thyroid meds.
I'm another person who has had a damaged retina, twice in fact in the same eye. The first time it was noticed at a routine eye test, I had no idea there was a problem. The retina was like a net curtain there were so many holes in it apparently. Second time I had all the classic symptoms, flashing lights and 'crystals' falling across my vision. I had the eye lazered both times to mend the retina which sounds scary but isn't. I have poor peripheral vision in that eye but otherwise it's fine but would be an issue if I drove.
If you have an eye unit attached to your local hospital go there and get the eye checked out or any good optician should be able to help. Be prepared that they may put drops in your eyes so take sunglasses with you for afterwards. Try not to worry however.
I have this, particularly when driving at night and in the cinema. Mine is as a result of torn retinae rather than complete detachment. You must get this looked at. The optician should be able to refer you straight to the eye clinic to get it checked rather than waiting hours in A and E or going through your GP . I had cryotherapy which was successful in stabilising, but still get a few flashes at times.
Hi from NZ...I get the Aura migraines frequently but the shimmer never Flashes.. Get it correctly checked by specialists in that field..Hope you get answers !
Hi Danny. I know the feeling when you first experienced it and had that for 3 decades. Most doctors and eye specialists would brush it away. I was told to learn to live with it and also that it is something that is fairly vommon. It may get more and more intense and frequesnt with time. It can get worse if you are aneamic. I was told it is migraine although I do not have headache with it.It turmed out that I have retina disease along tear in it and very dry eyes. Nobody said it is related to the thyroid although the link seems to make sense. Dry eyes, ears, scalp, mouth etc.
I recommend that you see a good retina specialist as the typical high street specialists may not pick up on it. Good luck with it.
Hi Denny,
I'm in agreement with others that have replied and suggest getting checked by an optician or eye specialist.
A few months ago I had what I'd describe as a lightning flash across my left eye that lasted for about 20mins. It was a zig zag pattern and the floaters I usually have increased in number. When I rang the optician's they had no appointments left but recommended going straight to eye A&E. Depending on your location your local hospital may have a specialist eye walk in unit or A&E.
I got checked for a detached retina but thankfully it was just age related eye changes called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) which are quite common. But I've been told to come back if I have any other issues or like a curtain moves across my vision. It would be an idea to get it checked out to rule out anything serious.
It sounds like a migraine, very common.
You really need to go and see an optician , have an eye scan and get your retina checked. I have had similar but thought nothing of it. The scan revealed that my retina is slowly peeling off. So I need to keep a watch on it. I need an eye scan every year. Detached retina can cause loss of sight if left and not treated. 
hi Denny39
This sounds like the beginning of a cataract in that eye. This happened to me and was sometimes accompanied with floating spots of cobweb-y blobs. I had it checked out at the optician and they said it was caused by cataracts forming and would resolve which it did in time. When it happened again in the other eye it was slightly different and referred to as a pvd which meant that the retina had shrunk away from the vitreous gel. Same symptoms but the optician could see what had happened. The symptoms have resolved a bit but I still have floaters and the flashing light when I look sideways and this is now permanent. I suggest you ask for a MEKS test at the optician. Explain your symptoms and this will trigger the appointment for the test, which is free. xx
HelloIve had this before. I don't think my thyroid is poorly but I do have a nodule. Many years ago I went to the eye hospital and they said my eyes were dry. I use moisturising eye drops every morning. I've not had it. However, you should see your optician, they are great. Sometimes silent migrains cause it took. Could be a number of things so best get checked.
I t could be the start of a detached retina, which needs to be urgently seen at an eye hospital.
You could lose the sight in that eye if it's that. Urgent is the word I had the same thing happen to me back in 2001 and because the GP missed it I have lost the sight in my right eye.
It could be flashing lights, a migrane without the headache but just to be sure go and have it checked out please.
Hi, well before I was diagnosed with Hashimotos disease I was seeing like a white sonic hedgehog flashing image in my right peripheral vision, had to sit with eyes closed for sometimes 40 mins for it to pass .Eyes checked and normal,did have elevated blood pressure and cholesterol,all related to the thyroid, and a burning inside my scalp for more than a year. Once diagnosed ,as had no typical under active thyroid symptoms, and treatment commenced and stabilised, it disappeared 👏. Hope you soon get yours sorted.
hey Denny I’ve had this and it’s still there. For me I linked it to a blow on the side of my face. I did have it checked out by an eye unit. It’s a known thing. Not sure of your age but I’m told it can happen without impact but as we age the retina can dry a bit not necessarily detach but this can be the resulting symptoms. I’ve had it about six years now, not associated with migraine etc but just a phenomenon visible in the dark. I’d get it checked for your peace of mind. I wasn’t changing doses, meds etc at the time, think that’s a red herring tbh 💜
Hi Denny. Same thing happened about 6 years ago when I was driving. It was a bright light flash in corner of my right eye and continued when I moved my eyes. I remember the optician always advised me if I saw flashes to go straight to A& E to get it checked. They referred me to specialist. The specialist did tests and confirmed it was NOT detached retina but an age related occurrence where the vitreous fluid in the eye moves and allows light seepage through resulting in occasional flash in corner of eye. Depending on your age it is maybe just this. I'm in my 60s . But would advise you to get it checked our asap just for peace of mind
Hi as others have mentioned it could be a posterior virtuous detachment. Mine started with flashing lights in the corner of my eye. I have had them in both eyes. I saw an optician who diagnosed it. A year later it started in the other eye which was more complicated as it didn’t fully detach & was still attached in 2 places. I now have an emergency number to go immediately to the eye department if it starts again as could pull the retina with it causing a tear or detachment. Please get it checked out with an optician to be on the safe side.
I have always associated this with migraine either instead of or as one comes on. A pain killer usually helps.
Hi Denny39,
Yes, I've got this! I see what looks like flashing led lights, sometimes blue sometimes green. Went to optician's and was told had dry eyes from meds, causing pressure in my eyes, making them mis-shapen. Ended up with prescription reading glasses and cream for eyes. I also use drops that have no additives in. My thyroid is now atrophied due to no meds then poor management of meds by GP. Currently on a list for an Endo appointment🤷🏻
Reading the link explains it all as my GP thought it was Sjorgrens!
Interesting read Thank you😊
Hi Denny, i have ongoing issues with my eyes and i am being monitored by the Manchester eye hospital and my optician, amongst other issues i have vitreous detachment going on in both eyes which is very common as we age, google Vitreous detachment and side effects, i have the flashes you described right in the corner of my right eye which apparently is common with vitreous detachment along with lots of other side effects it can cause, however VD can cause retinal tear or detachment, as it's your eyes we are talking about it's best you get it checked as soon as possible, better to be safe and for your own peace of mind,
best wishes.
Steve.
I had that experience - and the only issue I had going through menopause - an aura with a migraine, flashing light+zigzags. GP gave me a little pill to stick under my tongue to help. I did get the ghastly head after but some ppl don't get anything but the aura. Don't be afraid. Just have a word with yr GP.
I've had three types of flashing or rippling lights:
Scintillating scotoma (migraine aura without headache) several times. None recently. Fortress fortification pattern.
Vitreous pulling finally resulting in full PVD (posterior detachment) - both eyes. Sort of like a lava lamp bright light rippling movement around peripheral vision.
Retinal tear, which was more like lightning type flash in the corner of one eye. This required urgent treatment at eye hospital department and was dealt with on the day with laser.
Hope that helps. If you're worried it's a retinal tear or detachment, time is of the essence.
I was confidently told by opticians and triage nurse that flashing lights that go away cannot be a detaching retina; interested to hear if that was your experience Agitator23 as you seem to have tried all options?! I've had them three or four times now, my dad has had them too though and his mother suffered from migraines, so I think it's silent migraine for us but I'm interested to know and may put Denny39 's mind at rest too.
Interesting question. When I had the retinal tear there was just one flash and a very few extra floaters (I always have some)!
So, just one flash for the retinal tear and that was it. I knew it was different to the other lights because it was in only one area peripheral.
For the other conditions, with PVD the lights were frequent, sometimes every day, the Scintillating Scotoma was on three separate occasions.
Not sure the triage nurse was right in my case!
Thank you I know I'm a bit of a risk as my eyeball is elongated so I'm keen to gather as many facts as I can. Hope you're doing OK and all the eye traumas were properly treated in the end
Same here. That's why I've had so many issues! Thank you - all treated well. I'm under the care of Moorfields Eye Hospital 😊
I get this but mine is related to my severe migraine.
I ecperienced this a couple of years ago. Just out the blue flashes of light appeared in the corner of my left eye. It can be a symptom of a detached retina. I went to my optician who checked it out and thankfully it wasnt and i was told it would settle down after a few weeks. So maybe get your eyes checked
I get ocular migraines once in awhile. What triggers it for me are bright light in my eyes. When I'm driving sometimes if the Sun hits the metal of the car in front of me, it bothers my eyes and can trigger one of these migraines for me. It starts out as a visual disturbance in one eye. The visual disturbance is like a zigzag pattern in that eye with flashes of light and I can't see well out of that eye. The visual disturbance for me usually lasts about 15 minutes. I usually get a dull headache after the visual disturbance. I have transition eyeglasses that darken in bright sunlight. But when I am biking outside, I also have a pair of sunglasses that go over my eyeglasses to protect my eyes further. They are very Sun sensitive. There are different triggers for ocular migraines like stress, lack of sleep, and hormones.
it could also be a symptom of an eye condition called PVD which should be checked. I’ve had these symptoms ( twice- once in each eye!)and was told to go straight to the eye unit at the hospital. It was fine, but it is important to have an eye examination. I would suggest that you ring 111 today to get some advice and maybe treatment.
It is scary first time but my eyes, both, flash if I look out the side, especially at night. Mine have done it for years now, I get so I barely notice now. Eye doctor wasn't concerned, just what they do as you age along with floaters. Once I saw like a Z pass before my sight but was part of something that ripped off floating by, looked way bigger than what it was. Hasn't happened again.
Dear Denny, you should definitely get your eyes checked ASAP. I had similar flashing lights and also what looked like a log, briefly in one eye. I went to RVI A&E eye department. The consultant explained that as we get older the Vitreous Humor hardens a bit compared to when we are younger and sudden movements of one’s head can cause it to tug on the retina causing flashes etc. it eventually settles down. She did say to go back if it appeared to have got worse. Please to go to the Hospital, it not a good idea to mess about where one’s eyes are concerned. Here’s hoping you get a good outcome like I did. Take care.
Yes, I would agree with Fruitandnutcase, Could be a PVD. I have had them in both eyes, and so has my Husband. As you get older the vitreous breaks away from the back of the eye and that's why you see the flashing light. It lasted a couple of weeks I think. Usually just small pieces which then become floaters in the eye. However, it's best to see your optician as soon as possible to confirm this, as it can also be a detached retina, and that's a medical emergency.
Could be posterior vitreous detachment. Happens to most people as they age, but most don't notice it. I had it with both eyes. With one eye it slightly tore the retina. Laser needed. Peripheral flashing lights for a day or two were the first symptoms
Hi Denny. I get it a lot and, for me, it’s a migraine aura for which I take Sumatriptan. It’s never been suggested to me that it’s anything other than that, but I hope you get an answer to your issue.
I had flashing alongside floaters. Optician wasn't too bothered about floatersbut said if flashing came back I should go to the eye hospital. I hope yours has subsided now. Good luck
From my recent experience with this and rainbow colours, I have been diagnosed with the start of glaucoma, slightly worse in right eye ( where flashed started) . I've had P A nearly forty years .
Hi. I have Graves and had a similar problem in 2020 and it was eventually diagnosed as Posterior Vitreous Detachment rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/eye-c...
The diagnosis took a few days because I had migraines for many years where I get the zigzag lines and in 2018 I had something called Amaurosis Fugax, which was a mini stroke. Due to the previous issues they weren't happy to write it off as PVD right away and I had to get checked out at the hospital.
The PVD wasn't related to the Graves at all. It happens as a result of changes in the eye, usually due to age and doesn't cause any long term problems. It was frightening to start with as I got flashing lights for quite a while followed by floating shadows. I was worried that I was having a stroke, but it was all OK (eventually).
Obviously I'm not a doctor, so you have to take what I'm saying with a pinch of salt, but have a look at the RNIB website as it may give you some relevant information.
Hope it resolves itself for you
Julia
Hi DennyI think it may be worth making an appointment with an optician for starters. Any optician will see you as soon as possible if you explain to the receptionist
Hi Denny 39,Three weeks ago a large floater appeared in my right eye. Subsequently flashes of light around the right outer edge of the same eye. I went directly to visit my ophthalmologist who after many tests explained that it was due to my retna. And to return immediately should I have increased floaters accompanied by large blurry areas. They scheduled another exam which is next week. Consider visiting your eye doctor very soon.
as other have said it sounds like migraine aura. I come from a family where several members get full blown debilitating migraine but this is the only thing I’ve experienced starting about 12 years ago but a rare occurrence…. Probably about 6 times and more before I retired from staring at a computer screen in my last job before retiring.
I always take painkillers to ward off any further development and although never lasts more than about 20-30 mins I am left feeling tired for a while. Hope you’ve felt reassured by the answers you’ve had.
I have had flashing on the edge of my vision and the g.p. sent me to eye casualty. They said with aging the "jelly " in the eye becomes more liquid causing this flashing. They checked the eye carefully in case of retinal detachment. They said in a few weeks my brain would get used to it so that I wouldn't notice it any more. They said to return immediately if I had huge floaters or if my sight was compromised. After a few weeks I didn't notice it any more. Recently it's happened on the other eye. Again it was checked at eye casualty. Same advice. This time I only noticed it for a few days. It has to be checked in case there is retinal detachment.
migraines … never had one until thyroid disease… sucks
Hi Denny39
I have had flashes & floaters in my right eye since 2021. Please get this checked out at your local eye casualty. My floaters/flashes examined by eye casualty revealed a retinal tear which could lead to a retinal detachment which invariably results in eye sight loss unless treated urgently. My tear was treated by argon laser retinopexy which effectively sealed the tear by laser by creating scar tissue. Thyroid Eye disease is also common but not sure if it’s related to floaters/flashes or something else. My left eye seemed to be getting lots more floaters so I got that one checked out too - caused by vitreous detachment (age related), the vitreous detaches/shrivels away from the retina. Can cause a retinal tear or just blood vessels leaking. Either way best getting it checked out.
You can get a thing called posterior vitreous detachment which I think can happen as we age. Look it up. I've experienced it and I was fine. I think this is not necessarily associated with thyroid disease
yes thought I saw lightning recently as I was going to sleep turned out to be vitreous detachment - I am told it resolves itself - tiny “ floater “ but definitely getting better .
It could be migraine aura, but it could also be an optic problem so please see an optician. I was getting flashes in the dark as I lay down at night, the optician explained to me what it was (sorry I can't remember what it is) and to go back if it got any worse.
Hi I have something similar occasionally so does my sister. I have been told by my optician it is a visual migraine. I occasionally get headaches with it too. My sister gets split vision and terrible headaches as well as the visual aura.
hello, I really think you should make an appointment with an optician asap. This happened to me last summer, while I was driving. I originally thought it was a visual migraine which I have from time to time, but it was somehow different. I went to check it out at the opticians and it turned out to be a detached retina.
I don’t want to scare you, but this can sometimes turn out to be an emergency, so I really recommend you go to get it checked.
Best wishes.
Hi Denny39I have had a whole world of symptoms this past 3 years, it's a novel of a story, but included, I had, not just flashes, but shapes. .very bright light shapes, once I had a bright light tadpole swim across my vision, (my eyes were shut and it was dark) couple of weeks later, same thing, but it had grown legs! I also had bright flashes, and sometimes colours, electric colours, lightning bolts.
I have been trying to piece together my experiences and find a pattern, I have theories, but as yet, I'm still trying to balance the hormones. I have stopped my levothyroxine last November I felt fantastic, but I have to work hard on keeping my levels up naturally.
Denny39,
Did you get anywhere in finding out for sure what this is?
Hi,
I put it down to a migraine with no other migraine symptoms. I don’t suffer from migraines, only experienced a couple my whole life. If I had another episode I was going to head to opticians but thankfully I’ve had nothing since.
Thank you for asking how I am and grateful for all the people who replied.
I've just had an eye examination re. two cataracts but also I was concerned about what you seem to be describing & which I've been experiencing on and off over the past few months.
By the way, I had a total thyroidectomy in 2012 & have been taking levothyroxine since then.
I would liken it to a luminous, flowing river usually in my right eye but on one occasion in both. It 's sometimes quite brief but once lasted 1-1.5 mins (difficult to measure) I don't think it's anything to do with the dose of thyroxine & when I asked why it happened, the opthalmologist said it can be caused by tiredness or stress. For information, there is a leaflet entitled, 'Flashes and Floaters' . I would suggest that you arrange an eye examination.
Flashing in the corner of my eye is a sign for me that my tsh is low and I need to reduce my Levothyroxine dose
Left eye problems
Bloodshot Eye
eye pain!
Hashimoto and Thyroid Eye Disease
