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What Causes Colourful Flashes Of Light In The Peripheral Vision?

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Posted on Mon, 29 Jan 2024
Question: Hi, never had this before just happened out of the blue, was single short zig zag lines in different colours at corner of eye and round the top of it , didn't have any other symptoms, and went away in about 10 mins, just has got me really worried
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
If you have problems with the eyes already, this may be related to retina

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

If the symptoms that you are describing went away, then most probably it is nothing to worry about. It might have been something related to the light intensity in the environment where you were at that moment.

If the problem repeat, and persists then you should follow it up with an Ophthalmologist (Eye specialist).

If you are a person that do not have previous problems with the eyes, I doubt that will happen again. But especially if you wear glasses with high numbers, then you should take the problem seriously and consider seeing an Ophthalmologist locally because it may be something related with the retina. Only after a clinical exam with the special ophthalmological instruments, it'll be understood what is going on.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,     
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (28 minutes later)
Thanks for your reply , I've worn glasses since I was a kid now and adult, never had any problems with my eyes , I read online about aura headaches but it didn't sound like that , just gave me abit of a scare as never had anything like that before , I had been putting the kettle on in kitchen and it was bright sunlight on the tiles that when it started , started off like a tiny black line then coloured zig zags
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
If it doesn't happen again, then it is nothing to worry about.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Considering the bright sunlight and that the tiles might have reflected it back, I still think that the symptoms what you are describing it happened related with the external stimulus. For this reason, I think that if it doesn't happen again, it is nothing to worry about.

But if it happen again, and knowing that you have been wearing glasses for a long time, then it is worth doing a consultation to the local specialist, to rule out a possible retinal detachment. Again, this is possible only if the problem is persistent and happens again. If that case, go at the ER as soon as possible.

Kind regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1803 Questions

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What Causes Colourful Flashes Of Light In The Peripheral Vision?

Brief Answer: If you have problems with the eyes already, this may be related to retina Detailed Answer: Hello, I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. If the symptoms that you are describing went away, then most probably it is nothing to worry about. It might have been something related to the light intensity in the environment where you were at that moment. If the problem repeat, and persists then you should follow it up with an Ophthalmologist (Eye specialist). If you are a person that do not have previous problems with the eyes, I doubt that will happen again. But especially if you wear glasses with high numbers, then you should take the problem seriously and consider seeing an Ophthalmologist locally because it may be something related with the retina. Only after a clinical exam with the special ophthalmological instruments, it'll be understood what is going on. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Regards, Dr. Papaqako