Flashing Lights When Blinking: Eye Health Insights - Ophthalmology

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Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the flashing lights you experience when blinking. It’s understandable to feel concerned about any changes in your vision, especially when they are noticeable and persistent. Let’s break down your situation and provide some insights based on medical knowledge.

1. Understanding the Flashing Lights: The phenomenon you describe, where you see a flash of light resembling a coin when you blink, is indeed a type of visual disturbance. This could be classified as a "phosphene," which is a sensation of light that occurs without light actually entering the eye. Phosphenes can be triggered by various factors, including mechanical stimulation of the retina or the optic nerve, which can happen when you blink or move your eyes.
2. Possible Causes: Given your history of high myopia and previous laser eye surgery, it’s essential to consider that these factors can influence the health of your retina and overall eye structure. In highly myopic individuals, the retina can be thinner and more susceptible to changes. The flashing lights you see could be due to the vitreous gel in your eye pulling on the retina, especially during blinking. This is often benign, but it can also indicate more serious conditions, such as retinal tears or detachment, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like an increase in floaters or a shadow in your vision.

3. When to Seek Help: Since you recently had a dilated eye exam and were told everything was normal, it’s reassuring. However, if the flashing persists or worsens, or if you notice any new symptoms (like a sudden increase in floaters, a curtain-like shadow in your vision, or significant changes in your visual acuity), it’s crucial to seek further evaluation from an eye care professional. They may recommend additional tests, such as a retinal examination or imaging, to ensure there are no underlying issues.

4. Recommendations: Here are some steps you can take:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a log of when the flashes occur, their duration, and any associated symptoms. This information can be helpful for your eye doctor.

- Limit Eye Strain: If you spend a lot of time on screens or doing close work, take regular breaks to reduce eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule is a good guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

- Stay Hydrated and Maintain Eye Health: Ensure you are drinking enough water and consuming a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for eye health.

- Follow Up Regularly: Given your history of laser surgery and high myopia, regular follow-ups with your eye care provider are essential to monitor any changes in your eye health.

In conclusion, while the flashing lights you experience when blinking may be benign, it’s essential to stay vigilant and consult with your eye doctor if you have any concerns. Regular eye examinations are crucial for maintaining eye health, especially for individuals with a history of eye conditions. Thank you for reaching out, and I hope this information helps clarify your situation!