Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes A Feeling Of Ants Running Across The Eyes And Flashing Lights?
Question: My 94yr old father has very poor eyesight generally but over the past few days he describes "ants" running across his eyes and also flashes of yellow light. Can you suggest a diagnosis?
Brief Answer:
Explained in detail
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome
I appreciate your concern
The symptoms described suggest retinal detachment
In which sensory layer of eye called retina separates from underlying vascular layer which provide it with nutrition.
Its painless condition but symptoms include many sudden appearance od floaters in the field of vision which appear hair or strings floating in field of vision
There is also flashes of light
Some people may complain as curtain infront of the field of vision
Its an emergency and you should consult doctor for that . Causes include vitrous shrinkage, injury, advance diabetese and inflammatory eye disorder.
One of the risk factor is advance age
Eye examination on split lamp is required to see the retina.
Treatment depends whether there are retina tears or dul detachment retina tear can be treated with laser and cryopexy where as detachment has many option to select from.
Hope it helps
Thanks.
please consult your doctor before taking any further course of action
Wishing you best of health
Dr M.S Khalil
Explained in detail
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome
I appreciate your concern
The symptoms described suggest retinal detachment
In which sensory layer of eye called retina separates from underlying vascular layer which provide it with nutrition.
Its painless condition but symptoms include many sudden appearance od floaters in the field of vision which appear hair or strings floating in field of vision
There is also flashes of light
Some people may complain as curtain infront of the field of vision
Its an emergency and you should consult doctor for that . Causes include vitrous shrinkage, injury, advance diabetese and inflammatory eye disorder.
One of the risk factor is advance age
Eye examination on split lamp is required to see the retina.
Treatment depends whether there are retina tears or dul detachment retina tear can be treated with laser and cryopexy where as detachment has many option to select from.
Hope it helps
Thanks.
please consult your doctor before taking any further course of action
Wishing you best of health
Dr M.S Khalil
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
