Seeing Sparkles After Laser Treatment: Should You Be Concerned?

Q: Seeing Sparkles After Laser Treatment: Should You Be Concerned?

Hello： If you are worried, it is better to get checked for peace of mind. <br>After all, if there is a lesion, early detection and treatment yield better results. <br>However, coughing and sneezing can increase intraocular pressure, and sometimes you may experience seeing stars.

About three weeks ago, I underwent laser eye surgery and now I see bright spots?

This morning, I coughed lightly, and about three weeks after undergoing laser treatment for a retinal tear in my left eye, I suddenly saw many bright spots resembling glitter concentrated in the lower part of my vision.
They seemed to drift and I am uncertain if their position corresponds with the area where the tear was treated.
After approximately 6 to 7 seconds, they naturally disappeared.
At that moment, I did not close my eyes to test whether they would still be visible, but they moved with my eye movements.
They were not flashes, but rather little bright dots.
Should I go back to the ophthalmologist for an examination immediately? Thank you.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/21

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: If you are worried, it is better to get checked for peace of mind.
After all, if there is a lesion, early detection and treatment yield better results.
However, coughing and sneezing can increase intraocular pressure, and sometimes you may experience seeing stars.
For your reference, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and on Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are only for reference; it is necessary to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if needed.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2020/07/21

More Info

Seeing sparkles or flashes of light after undergoing laser treatment for retinal issues can understandably cause concern. Given your recent history of retinal laser treatment, it is essential to approach this situation with caution and seek professional medical advice.

The phenomenon you are describing—seeing bright, sparkly points of light that appear and then disappear—could be related to several factors. After retinal laser treatment, it is not uncommon for patients to experience visual disturbances, including flashes of light or floaters. These symptoms can arise due to the healing process of the retina and the vitreous gel that fills the eye. When the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina, it can create sensations of light or sparkles, which may be what you are experiencing.

However, the fact that these sparkles are concentrated in the area corresponding to the previous retinal treatment raises a red flag. It is crucial to consider that any new visual symptoms following retinal surgery should be evaluated promptly. While it is possible that what you are seeing is benign and part of the normal healing process, it could also indicate a potential complication, such as a retinal tear or detachment. These conditions can lead to serious vision loss if not addressed quickly.

In general, if you experience any of the following symptoms after laser treatment, you should seek immediate medical attention:
1. New flashes of light: Especially if they are persistent or increasing in frequency.

2. Increased floaters: A sudden increase in the number of floaters can be a sign of retinal issues.

3. Dark shadows or curtains: If you notice any dark areas in your vision, this could indicate a retinal detachment.

4. Blurred or distorted vision: Any changes in your visual acuity should be evaluated.

Given your description of the sparkles appearing after a mild cough, it is possible that the act of coughing could have caused a temporary change in the pressure within your eye, leading to the visual phenomenon. However, this does not negate the need for a thorough examination by an eye care professional.

I recommend that you contact your ophthalmologist or the clinic where you had the laser treatment as soon as possible. Explain your symptoms in detail, including the timing and nature of the sparkles, and follow their guidance. They may suggest a comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated fundus exam, to assess the health of your retina and ensure that there are no complications from the previous treatment.

In summary, while seeing sparkles after laser treatment can sometimes be a benign occurrence, it is essential to err on the side of caution. Promptly consulting with your eye care provider will help ensure that any potential issues are identified and managed appropriately, safeguarding your vision and overall eye health.

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