Flashing Lights in Your Vision: Causes and Concerns

Q: Flashing Lights in Your Vision: Causes and Concerns

Hello： Regarding your question, the persistence and progression of photopsia symptoms can vary depending on individual circumstances. <br>For most people, photopsia is typically caused by vitreous degeneration and traction, which is a normal phenomenon that occurs with aging. <br

Flashes or flickering during eye movement?

Dear Dr.
Gao,
I am Mr.
Chen, the one who previously asked you about the issue of experiencing pinpoint flashes when moving my eyes.
I sincerely appreciate your professional and detailed response despite your busy schedule.
Regarding your reply, my eye symptoms may fall into one of the following three categories: 1.
Vitreous opacities, 2.
Posterior vitreous detachment, 3.
Other factors, including possible retinal tears, retinal diseases, or optic nerve issues.

Following your advice, I went to an ophthalmologist for a thorough dilated fundus examination.
The examination revealed that there were no retinal tears or detachments in my right eye, which is experiencing the flashes, and the macula appeared normal.
The doctor’s final assessment aligned with your response, indicating that the symptoms are due to vitreous opacities and degenerative traction.

Upon receiving this result, I felt a significant relief, but in the days to come, I still have to cope with the symptoms of floaters and flashes, especially the pinpoint flashes.
Each time they occur, it feels as if my heart skips a beat.
This is something I cannot ignore in my daily life, and it has been quite distressing psychologically.

I would like to ask you, setting aside the issue of floaters for now, whether the pinpoint flashes caused by vitreous degeneration and retinal traction in my right eye will continue to worsen over time.
Will this be a lifelong condition, or will the flash symptoms gradually diminish with time? I believe my concerns are shared by many others experiencing similar flash symptoms, and I kindly request your assistance and guidance on this matter.
Thank you.

Mr. Chen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/03

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Regarding your question, the persistence and progression of photopsia symptoms can vary depending on individual circumstances.
For most people, photopsia is typically caused by vitreous degeneration and traction, which is a normal phenomenon that occurs with aging.
However, not everyone will experience further deterioration.
Generally, vitreous opacities and degenerative traction usually do not cause significant visual impairment, but the photopsia symptoms may persist for some time.
These flashes may be generated by the vitreous pulling on the retina, and this traction can stimulate the retina when your eyes move or turn, causing you to perceive flashes of light.
Based on individual experiences, some people report that their photopsia symptoms gradually diminish or resolve over time, while others may continue to experience these symptoms.
However, we cannot determine your specific situation, as each person's eye condition and response are different.
I recommend that you continue to have regular follow-ups and undergo retinal examinations to monitor any changes in your condition.
If you experience any new symptoms or concerns, please seek medical evaluation promptly.

Reply Date: 2023/06/03

More Info

Flashing lights in your vision can be a concerning symptom, and it's great that you've sought professional advice and undergone a thorough examination. Based on your description and the findings from your eye doctor, it seems that your symptoms are primarily related to vitreous changes, specifically vitreous degeneration and possibly some traction on the retina. Let's delve deeper into the potential implications of these findings and address your concerns about the persistence and progression of your symptoms.

Understanding Vitreous Changes
The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eye and helps maintain its shape. As we age, the vitreous can undergo changes, becoming more liquid and less gel-like. This process can lead to the formation of floaters (the "flying spots" you mentioned) and flashes of light. The flashes occur when the vitreous pulls on the retina, stimulating the photoreceptors and creating the perception of light.
In your case, the examination ruled out more serious conditions such as retinal tears or detachments, which is reassuring. However, the presence of vitreous degeneration can lead to ongoing symptoms like the flashes you are experiencing.

Will the Symptoms Worsen?
Regarding your concern about whether these symptoms will worsen or persist, it's important to understand that while vitreous degeneration is a progressive condition, the experience of flashes can vary significantly among individuals. For many people, the frequency and intensity of flashes may decrease over time as the vitreous continues to change and settle. However, some individuals may continue to experience intermittent flashes for an extended period.

Long-term Outlook
1. Persistence of Symptoms: It's possible that you may continue to experience flashes for a while, but many people find that they become less bothersome over time. The brain often learns to ignore these visual disturbances, which can help reduce the psychological impact.

2. Psychological Impact: The anxiety associated with seeing flashes can be significant, especially if they are frequent or intense. It's crucial to address this aspect. Consider discussing your feelings with a healthcare professional who can provide strategies to manage anxiety related to your symptoms.

3. Monitoring Changes: Regular follow-ups with your eye doctor are essential. If you notice any changes in your symptoms, such as an increase in the frequency of flashes, new floaters, or changes in vision, it’s important to seek immediate evaluation. While most vitreous changes are benign, any new symptoms should be assessed to rule out complications.

Conclusion
In summary, while vitreous degeneration can lead to persistent symptoms like flashes of light, many individuals find that these symptoms may lessen over time. It's essential to maintain open communication with your eye care provider and to monitor your symptoms closely. If you find that the psychological burden of these symptoms is affecting your quality of life, consider seeking support from a mental health professional who can help you develop coping strategies.

Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and many others share similar concerns. By staying informed and proactive about your eye health, you can better manage your symptoms and maintain your overall well-being.

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