Sudden Blurred Vision with Yellow Light Spots: When to Seek Help - Ophthalmology

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Regarding sudden peripheral vision blurriness accompanied by small yellow light spots, which later returned to normal?


I'm sorry, but I have some additional details I would like to ask you.
Hello, doctor.
In February, while riding my bike one night, I suddenly experienced a loss of peripheral vision (everything looked dark), and my left eye had a very small yellowish light spot (similar to a bright car headlight) that moved with my gaze.
This lasted for about five minutes and then returned to normal, so I didn't seek medical attention.
However, a few days ago, while walking, it happened again.
Should I go to a major hospital for an examination, or would a general eye exam suffice? I have seen responses from other doctors stating that if the examination shows no issues, I can be reassured.
I often experience strange sensations in my eyes, not pain, but a feeling of fatigue (similar to numbness) accompanied by a desire to clear my throat, and in severe cases, my hands also feel tingly.
Could this be glaucoma? Additionally, I visited a small eye clinic, and they said my retina is normal.
Can a general eye exam detect small tears in the retina that may indicate early retinal detachment? I had strabismus surgery when I was in kindergarten and have a history of high astigmatism, which I believe is over 300 degrees, possibly 500...
I'm sorry, my memory isn't very clear.
Thank you for your help!

Ruan Yi-Hong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/01

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello Mr.
Ruan: Sudden blurriness in the peripheral vision, accompanied by pressure pain and nausea, may be caused by eye fatigue.
However, we cannot rule out the possibility of glaucoma, which can typically be diagnosed during a routine eye examination.
As for the light spots, they may sometimes be due to localized stimulation of the retina and are generally not serious.
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 should only be used as a reference; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Best regards, Gao Pilin.

Reply Date: 2017/08/01

More Info


Experiencing sudden blurred vision accompanied by yellow light spots can be concerning, and it’s important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced episodes of visual disturbances, particularly characterized by a temporary loss of clarity in your peripheral vision and the presence of yellow light spots. These symptoms can be indicative of several underlying conditions, and it’s crucial to approach them with caution.

Firstly, the presence of yellow light spots, especially in conjunction with blurred vision, could suggest a few possibilities. One common cause is a phenomenon known as "visual aura," which can occur with migraines. Migraines can cause visual disturbances, including flashes of light or spots, and may be accompanied by headaches. However, the absence of a headache does not rule out this possibility. Another potential cause could be related to retinal issues, such as retinal detachment or tears, especially given your history of high myopia and previous eye surgeries. These conditions can lead to sudden changes in vision and require immediate medical evaluation.

Your symptoms of temporary visual disturbances lasting about five minutes and then resolving could also be related to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are often referred to as "mini-strokes." TIAs can cause temporary vision loss or disturbances and are a sign that there may be underlying vascular issues that need to be addressed. Given your additional symptoms of numbness and a feeling of nausea, it’s essential to consider neurological evaluations as well.

Regarding your concerns about glaucoma, while the symptoms you describe do not directly align with classic signs of glaucoma, it is still essential to have regular eye examinations, especially considering your history of high myopia and previous eye surgeries. Glaucoma can sometimes present with subtle changes in vision, and early detection is crucial for effective management.

As for your question about whether to seek help at a major hospital or an eye clinic, it is advisable to err on the side of caution. Given the nature of your symptoms, particularly their sudden onset and the fact that they have recurred, it would be prudent to seek a comprehensive evaluation at a larger medical facility. This should include both an ophthalmological assessment and possibly a neurological evaluation to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

In summary, while your symptoms may not immediately suggest a severe issue, the combination of visual disturbances, history of eye surgeries, and additional neurological symptoms warrants a thorough examination. It is always better to be proactive about eye health, especially when experiencing changes in vision. If you have not already done so, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a comprehensive eye care provider who can perform a detailed examination and, if necessary, refer you for further testing to ensure your vision and overall health are protected.

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