There is a strong sensation of flickering in the eyes?
1.
About three weeks ago, I suddenly noticed black and white spots flashing in my vision, similar to a malfunctioning television.
2.
A translucent floaters appeared in my left eye.
3.
Occasionally, my right eye feels like it is being flashed by a camera.
4.
Three days ago, I underwent a fundus examination, but the doctor informed me that my pupils could not fully dilate; however, the results were normal.
5.
I have a myopia of approximately 900 degrees in both eyes and am very concerned about the possibility of retinal detachment or degeneration.
Should I schedule a follow-up appointment in the next few days, or can I wait another week to observe (the doctor did not mention the need for a follow-up, and I have important activities in the coming week)?
Lin Tongxue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/04
Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Student Lin: You may consider getting a check-up at another ophthalmology clinic.
If there are no issues, you should be able to feel at ease.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Best regards, Gao Pilin.
Reply Date: 2016/04/04
More Info
Understanding eye flickering and associated symptoms can be quite concerning, especially when they manifest suddenly and in various forms. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing several visual disturbances, including flickering black and white spots, translucent floaters, and occasional flashes of light in your right eye. These symptoms can be alarming, particularly given your high degree of myopia (near-sightedness), which can increase the risk of retinal issues.
Symptoms and Possible Causes
1. Flickering Black and White Spots: This symptom can resemble visual snow or scintillating scotomas, which are often benign but can be associated with migraines or other neurological conditions. They can also occur due to retinal issues, especially in individuals with high myopia.
2. Translucent Floaters: Floaters are common and usually harmless. They occur when tiny fibers in the vitreous gel of the eye clump together and cast shadows on the retina. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light, can indicate a more serious condition like retinal detachment.
3. Flashes of Light: The sensation of seeing flashes, particularly if they resemble camera flashes, can be indicative of retinal irritation or traction. This is particularly concerning in the context of high myopia, as the retina can be more susceptible to tears or detachment.
When to Seek Help
Given your symptoms and the fact that you have a significant degree of myopia, it is advisable to err on the side of caution. While your recent eye examination indicated normal results, the presence of new symptoms warrants further evaluation. Here are some guidelines:
- Immediate Attention: If you experience a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, or if you notice a curtain-like shadow over your vision, you should seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency.
- Follow-Up Appointment: Since you mentioned that your pupils did not fully dilate during your last examination, it may be beneficial to schedule a follow-up appointment sooner rather than later. Even if your doctor did not indicate the need for a follow-up, your symptoms suggest that a more thorough examination, possibly with better dilation, could provide more insight into your condition.
- Observation Period: If your symptoms are stable and not worsening, and you have important activities coming up, you might consider monitoring your symptoms for a short period. However, if you notice any changes or worsening of your symptoms, do not hesitate to seek help.
Conclusion
In summary, while some visual disturbances can be benign, the combination of your symptoms, particularly in the context of high myopia, suggests that you should not take these lightly. It is always better to be proactive about eye health, especially when symptoms change or new ones arise. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms worsen, please consult an eye care professional as soon as possible. Your vision is invaluable, and timely intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes related to potential retinal issues.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Long-Term Eye Flickering: Causes and When to Seek Help
Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy question, but I sincerely appreciate your help in answering it. I am twenty years old. During middle school, I suffered a blow to the back of my head, which seemed to impact the hypothalamus area. My vision went completely black for a mo...
Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Your condition may be partially related to "migraine aura," which typically involves visual disturbances such as seeing nonexistent light spots, experiencing heat waves, or having narrowed vision. These symptoms usually occur about half an hour to an hour before the ons...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Eye Flickering: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Flickering Vision: Causes and Concerns in Eye Health
Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I woke up in the middle of the night to use the restroom and suddenly noticed a flash at the edges of my vision. I thought it was just a trick of the light or due to blinking. After returning to my room, my vision started to flicker continuously, res...
Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: There could be multiple potential causes for this situation. Here are a few possible reasons: 1. Macular diseases: Certain macular conditions, such as macular degeneration, may lead to visual disturbances or flickering, especially in low-light environments. 2. Eye strain: ...[Read More] Understanding Flickering Vision: Causes and Concerns in Eye Health
Understanding Eye Flickering: Causes and Solutions for Eye Movement Issues
When I close my eyes, the image above my eyes keeps shaking. Sometimes at night, there are flashes of light, and when I open my eyes, the view in front of me also shakes. In the morning, if I focus on the same image, it slightly trembles. I have undergone a fundus examination, wh...
Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Eye Fatigue: Prolonged use of electronic screens, reading, or other visual tasks can lead to eye fatigue and discomfort, which may manifest as a sensation of shaking. 2. Lens Issues: Although you mentioned that the fundus examination did not reveal any problems, certain...[Read More] Understanding Eye Flickering: Causes and Solutions for Eye Movement Issues
Understanding Flickering Vision: Possible Causes and Solutions
Hello doctor, when I woke up today, I noticed that my vision was flickering (as if something was jumping in front of my eyes). I also felt this sensation when I closed my eyes, but after I cleaned my eye discharge, the symptoms disappeared. Could this indicate a problem with my r...
Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, please observe the situation, and if the symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Flickering Vision: Possible Causes and Solutions
Related FAQ
(Ophthalmology)
Blinking(Ophthalmology)
Involuntary Eye Movement(Ophthalmology)
Visual Disturbance(Ophthalmology)
Eyelid Twitching(Neurology)
Floaters And Related Issues(Ophthalmology)
Macular Pucker(Ophthalmology)
Eye Fatigue(Ophthalmology)
Eye Misalignment(Ophthalmology)
Eyelid Disease(Ophthalmology)