Retinal Issues: Blue-Purple Light Spots in Vision - Ophthalmology

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Retinal issues?


Hello, doctor.
When I look upward with my left eye, I see several blue-purple light spots, which disappear when I move my eye back.
What could be the cause of this? I have high myopia, and my doctor mentioned that my peripheral retina is very thin.
I'm worried that this might be a sign of some retinal disease or a precursor to a tear.

123, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/10

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology


Hello: Don't worry, just have regular check-ups.
Wishing you peace and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/01/10

More Info


The phenomenon you are experiencing, where you see blue and purple light spots in your vision, particularly when looking upward, can be concerning, especially given your history of high myopia and thin peripheral retina. While I cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, I can offer some insights into potential causes and considerations based on your symptoms and medical background.

Firstly, seeing blue or purple spots can be attributed to several factors. One common cause is the presence of floaters, which are tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous humor of the eye. These floaters can cast shadows on the retina, leading to the perception of spots or flashes of light, especially in certain lighting conditions. However, since you mentioned that these spots disappear when you move your eyes back, this could suggest a transient phenomenon rather than a persistent floater.

Another possibility is related to the way light interacts with your eye, particularly if you have astigmatism or other refractive errors. Light can scatter differently depending on the shape of your cornea and lens, which might create visual artifacts such as colored spots or halos around lights, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

Given your high myopia, it is crucial to monitor your retinal health closely. High myopia is associated with an increased risk of retinal issues, including retinal tears or detachments. The fact that your doctor has noted that your peripheral retina is thin is significant. While not all thin retinas lead to complications, they can be more susceptible to changes that might result in visual disturbances.

You should also consider the possibility of visual migraines, which can cause temporary visual disturbances, including spots of light or color. These are typically not associated with pain and resolve quickly, but they can be alarming when they occur.

To address your concerns about retinal disease or potential precursor signs of retinal tears, it is essential to have regular eye examinations, particularly with a specialist who can perform a thorough dilated fundus examination. If you experience any sudden changes in your vision, such as an increase in the number of spots, flashes of light, or a shadow in your peripheral vision, you should seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, while the blue and purple light spots you are experiencing could be benign, given your medical history, it is prudent to remain vigilant. Regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist, especially focusing on the health of your retina, are essential. If you have any new or worsening symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your eye care provider for further evaluation. Your eye health is paramount, and early detection of any potential issues can lead to better outcomes.

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