Eye Flashes: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

Eye flash issues?

Hello Doctor, I have high myopia and also experience floaters.
For the past two months, I have been seeing light spots in my peripheral vision on the outer side of my right eye, moving up and down (or down and up) and then disappearing.
This occurs almost every day, both during the day and at night, and is most frequent just before I fall asleep with my eyes closed.
I first noticed these light spots around the end of last year and underwent a dilated eye exam with a retinal specialist.
At that time, they mentioned that my peripheral retina was thin but there were no tears, attributing the phenomenon to vitreous traction on the retina and advised me to follow up in six months.
However, this sensation, which resembles shooting stars, continues to occur daily, always in my peripheral vision (sometimes in both eyes simultaneously).

I have a few questions:
1.
If there are no tears, is it normal for the sensation of flashes to occur daily like this?
2.
Does seeing light spots necessarily indicate vitreous traction on the retina? What is the likelihood of a tear occurring if I avoid vigorous activities?
3.
Should I consider getting another examination now, or is it sufficient to just monitor the situation myself? Seeing these shooting star-like lights every day makes me quite anxious...
Thank you very much, Doctor.

Xiao Jie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/03

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, the sensation of flashes does not necessarily indicate a tear.
Avoiding vigorous exercise can reduce the risk of a tear.
Since it has been some time since the end of last year, I recommend getting another examination.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cai Wenyuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/02/03

More Info

Understanding eye flashes can be quite concerning, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like high myopia and floaters. Your symptoms, particularly the recurring light spots that appear to move in your peripheral vision, warrant careful consideration. Let’s break down your questions and provide some insights into the potential causes and when to seek further medical attention.

1. Frequency of Flashes: It is not uncommon for individuals to experience flashes of light, especially if there is a history of vitreous detachment or other eye conditions. These flashes can occur due to the vitreous gel pulling on the retina, which is often described as a sensation of light or movement in the peripheral vision. While some people may experience these flashes intermittently, having them daily can be concerning, particularly if they are new or have changed in frequency or intensity.
2. Causes of Light Spots: The appearance of light spots, often described as "shooting stars" or "flashes," is typically associated with the vitreous gel in the eye pulling on the retina. However, not all flashes are indicative of a serious issue like retinal detachment. In many cases, they can be benign, especially if there are no accompanying symptoms like a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow in your vision, or a significant change in vision. That said, it’s essential to monitor these symptoms closely. Engaging in activities that could lead to trauma or strain on the eyes, such as vigorous exercise, can increase the risk of complications, particularly in individuals with high myopia.

3. When to Seek Help: Given your history of high myopia and the recent onset of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with an eye care professional sooner rather than later. Even though your previous examination indicated no retinal tears or holes, the persistence of these flashes, especially if they are causing you anxiety, warrants a follow-up. An eye specialist can perform a thorough examination, possibly including a dilated fundus exam, to assess the current state of your retina and vitreous.
In addition to these points, it’s important to consider the psychological impact of experiencing persistent visual disturbances. Anxiety can exacerbate the perception of these symptoms, creating a cycle of worry that may heighten your awareness of the flashes. Engaging in relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices may help alleviate some of this anxiety while you monitor your symptoms.

In summary, while daily flashes can be a normal occurrence for some, given your specific circumstances, it is prudent to seek a follow-up examination. This will not only help clarify the cause of your symptoms but also provide peace of mind. Remember, early detection and intervention are key in managing eye health, especially with conditions like high myopia.

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