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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Do Flashes Of Light In The Field Of Vision Indicate?

Hello,
Recently diagnosed with floaters in both eyes. Floaters have since subsided. My doctor told me to contact her right away if I ever get flashes of bright lights in my eyes.
A couple of times in the last few days I get flashes periodically in both eyes when looking quickly from side to side.
They are on the edges of my field of vision and nowhere else and not all the time. I have no pain associated with them.
What do you think?
Fri, 1 Sep 2017
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Ophthalmologist 's  Response
Hi there,
Welcome to HCM.I think your flashes are normal.
I have seen patients who experience floaters for the first time become anxious,until reassured by the doctor.Floaters happen commonly as a natural aging process and they are harmless.But the doctors tell you to keep an eye on them as sudden increase in the number and size of floater along with frequent flashes may be an early sign of Retinal pathology.

It is very usual for any normal person to notice those flashes at times when moving your eyes quickly side to side ,due to the quick visual reflex perceived by our eyes.

So I would suggest you to wait and observe.If you notice them even when you are relaxed and frequently bothering you with decreased/blurred vision then donot hesitate to get an early appointment.
Otherwise, as time passes by you will start ignoring your floaters which most of my patients do.When asked they say,"Yes I do notice ocasionally and it doesn't bother me".
So,I would say do not worry at the moment.
Hope this answers your question.Take care.

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Ophthalmologist Dr. Ashok Kumar Dash's  Response
it needs immediate consultation with eye doctor to observe for holes tear or peripheral detachment.retina surgeon is to be consulted. iot may be taken and tracing for field of vision may be done.
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What Do Flashes Of Light In The Field Of Vision Indicate?

Hi there, Welcome to HCM.I think your flashes are normal. I have seen patients who experience floaters for the first time become anxious,until reassured by the doctor.Floaters happen commonly as a natural aging process and they are harmless.But the doctors tell you to keep an eye on them as sudden increase in the number and size of floater along with frequent flashes may be an early sign of Retinal pathology. It is very usual for any normal person to notice those flashes at times when moving your eyes quickly side to side ,due to the quick visual reflex perceived by our eyes. So I would suggest you to wait and observe.If you notice them even when you are relaxed and frequently bothering you with decreased/blurred vision then donot hesitate to get an early appointment. Otherwise, as time passes by you will start ignoring your floaters which most of my patients do.When asked they say, Yes I do notice ocasionally and it doesn t bother me . So,I would say do not worry at the moment. Hope this answers your question.Take care.