Flickering Lines in the Corner of Your Eye: Causes and Solutions - Ophthalmology

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The flickering lines you are experiencing in the corner of your eye, particularly given your history of high myopia and retinal repair, can be concerning. High myopia, or severe nearsightedness, increases the risk of various eye conditions, including retinal detachment, vitreous detachment, and other retinal abnormalities. The symptoms you describe—flickering lines or sensations of something flashing—could be related to several factors, primarily involving the vitreous body of the eye.


Possible Causes
1. Vitreous Detachment: In individuals with high myopia, the vitreous gel that fills the eye can pull away from the retina, leading to symptoms such as flashes of light or floaters. This is often a benign condition but can sometimes lead to more serious issues if the vitreous pulls too hard on the retina.

2. Retinal Issues: Although your recent examinations have indicated that your retina is healthy, the presence of flickering lines could still suggest a subtle retinal issue that may not have been detected. Conditions like retinal tears or holes can sometimes present with visual disturbances before more severe symptoms occur.

3. Visual Aura: In some cases, visual disturbances can be related to migraine auras, which can occur even in the absence of a headache. These auras can manifest as flickering lights or zigzag patterns in the visual field.

4. Ocular Fatigue: Prolonged screen time or visual strain can lead to temporary disturbances in vision, including flickering sensations. This is particularly relevant if you spend long hours focusing on digital screens without adequate breaks.


Recommendations
Given that your symptoms have persisted for nearly a year, it is advisable to seek further evaluation from a specialist, particularly a retinal specialist or an ophthalmologist with experience in high myopia. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Comprehensive Eye Examination: Request a thorough examination, including a dilated fundus exam, to assess the health of your retina and vitreous. A specialist may use advanced imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), to get a detailed view of the retinal structure.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like screen time or fatigue). This information can help your doctor in diagnosing the issue.

3. Consider Lifestyle Adjustments: If you are spending significant time on screens, implement the "20-20-20" rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

4. Follow-Up: If your symptoms worsen or if you experience new symptoms such as a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision, seek immediate medical attention.


Conclusion
While the flickering lines you are experiencing may be benign, given your history of high myopia and retinal surgery, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Regular follow-ups with an eye care professional are essential to monitor any changes in your vision and to ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Your eye health is paramount, and proactive management can help prevent complications.