Eye Pain and Flashing Lights: When to Seek Help

Q: Eye Pain and Flashing Lights: When to Seek Help

Hello： If you experience pain during a brief eye movement without accompanying flashes of light, it may be related to prolonged smartphone use or fatigue of the eye muscles. <br>If the pain subsides after resting and does not recur, you can continue to monitor your symptoms. <br>

Continuation #193928: Flashing lights in the eyes?

Hello Doctor, thank you for your quick response in addressing my concerns.
I would like to ask you again: a few days ago, I experienced pain in my eye when moving it, but it only happened that one time and was not accompanied by any flashes of light.
I am unsure if the pain is related to the flashes or if it is due to prolonged use of my phone (approximately 7-8 hours a day).
Do I need to schedule another appointment? Additionally, I had a dilated eye exam last Monday, and the doctor indicated that the results were normal.
Is it necessary to have another examination now? Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/08

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: If you experience pain during a brief eye movement without accompanying flashes of light, it may be related to prolonged smartphone use or fatigue of the eye muscles.
If the pain subsides after resting and does not recur, you can continue to monitor your symptoms.
However, if the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision or redness of the eyes, you should seek an ophthalmological examination as soon as possible.
Regarding whether you need to undergo another examination, if your ophthalmologist indicated that your eyes were healthy during a recent dilated eye exam and your symptoms are limited to transient eye pain, you may not need to have another check-up.
However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have concerns about your eye health, you may consider scheduling another appointment for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2023/03/08

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your eye symptoms, particularly the pain experienced during eye movement and the presence of flashing lights. It’s understandable to feel concerned about these symptoms, especially given your history of myopia and other eye conditions.
Firstly, let’s address the pain you experienced when moving your eyes. Occasional eye pain can be attributed to several factors, including eye strain, particularly if you spend long hours using digital devices like smartphones or computers. The typical recommendation is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This practice helps reduce eye strain and fatigue.

The pain you described occurring only once and not accompanied by flashing lights is less likely to indicate a serious issue, especially since you recently underwent a dilated eye exam that showed no abnormalities. However, if the pain recurs or intensifies, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation.
Flashing lights in your vision can be a sign of various conditions, including retinal detachment or vitreous detachment, particularly in individuals with high myopia. Given your history of myopia and the presence of floaters, it’s essential to monitor these symptoms closely. If the flashing lights become more frequent, last longer, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as a sudden increase in floaters, shadows in your vision, or a decrease in visual acuity, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Regarding your recent eye examination, if the symptoms you are experiencing are new or have changed significantly since your last visit, it may be beneficial to return for a follow-up. While your previous examination showed no issues, the nature of eye conditions can change, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
In summary, while your symptoms may not indicate an immediate concern, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Maintain good eye hygiene, take regular breaks from screens, and monitor any changes in your symptoms. If you notice any worsening or new symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your eye care professional for a thorough evaluation.

Take care of your eyes, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or concerns.

Best regards.

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