White Light Spots in Vision: Causes and Concerns - Ophthalmology

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White streaks or spots of light appearing in the vision?


Hello, doctor.
I have high myopia (1000-1050) and astigmatism of 150 degrees.
Recently, I noticed the presence of floaters, but they haven't significantly affected my daily life.
However, I have experienced symptoms resembling flashes of light.
After multiple dilated eye examinations, my doctor mentioned that it is just part of the aging process of the eyes.
Recently, I noticed that when I look at the sky, there are many moving light spots, which I found online to be the Scherer's phenomenon; however, I also discovered that when looking at a white wall, I can see a few fast-moving light spots, although not as many as when looking at the sky.
Sometimes I see them on the white wall, and sometimes I don't, but when I do, there are suddenly 5 to 6 light spots quickly gliding across, and this only happens on the white wall; I don't see them on other colors or in darker areas.
My doctor is uncertain if this is related to floaters, but the dilated exam showed normal results.
I would like to ask if these light spots on the white wall are also Scherer's phenomenon, or are they floaters, or could it be visual snow? However, I found that visual snow is supposed to persist even with closed eyes, but when I close my eyes, everything goes completely dark, which seems normal to me.
I usually see transparent, amoeba-like floaters, but only on the white wall do I see a few light spots gliding by.

Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/02

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello: Based on your description, the visual phenomena you mentioned involve floaters, flashes, and possibly visual snow.
Firstly, floaters are typically caused by opacities in the vitreous humor projecting onto the retina; these floating objects can be transparent or semi-transparent and usually appear as dots, strands, or cobweb-like shapes.
The transparent cobweb-like shapes you described are characteristic symptoms of floaters.
Regarding the flashes you mentioned, these may be caused by vitreous traction on the retina.
Individuals with high myopia are more prone to such issues, so it is advisable to continue monitoring your condition.
If the flashes become frequent or worsen, you should seek immediate medical attention to rule out the risk of retinal tears or detachment.
As for the light spots you see on a white wall, this seems less consistent with floaters.
This phenomenon is more akin to the entoptic phenomenon, which is a physiological occurrence where numerous rapidly moving small light spots are seen against a bright background (like a blue sky).
These light spots are actually images of white blood cells flowing through the tiny blood vessels in the eye.
Visual snow is a rarer condition where patients see a phenomenon resembling television static at all times (whether their eyes are open or closed).
Based on your description, your visual field appears normal when your eyes are closed, which does not seem to align with the typical symptoms of visual snow.
In summary, the light spots you see on the white wall are more likely to be an entoptic phenomenon rather than floaters or visual snow.
However, considering your high myopia and the presence of floaters, it is recommended to continue with ophthalmologic examinations and inform your physician of all your symptoms to ensure there are no underlying retinal issues.
If symptoms worsen or new abnormal visual phenomena occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Reply Date: 2024/06/02

More Info


Understanding the phenomenon of seeing white light spots in your vision can be quite concerning, especially for someone with a history of high myopia and astigmatism. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of visual disturbances, including floaters (often referred to as "flying mosquitoes"), and possibly some form of photopsia, which is the perception of flashes of light.

Floaters are typically caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid, and tiny clumps of gel or cells can form, casting shadows on the retina, which we perceive as floaters. In your case, since you have high myopia, you may be more prone to experiencing floaters due to the elongation of the eyeball and the associated changes in the vitreous.

The phenomenon you described, where you see light spots against a white background, could indeed be related to several factors. One possibility is the "Scheerer's phenomenon," which refers to the perception of light flashes or spots, often triggered by certain visual stimuli, such as bright or white backgrounds. This can occur due to the way light interacts with the retina or the vitreous gel, especially in individuals with a history of floaters or retinal issues.

Another consideration is the possibility of "visual snow syndrome," which is characterized by the perception of tiny flickering dots in the visual field, similar to the noise of a television set that is not tuned to a channel. However, you mentioned that when you close your eyes, everything appears normal, which is not typical for visual snow syndrome, as it usually persists even in darkness.

It's also important to note that the presence of these light spots can be exacerbated by eye strain, fatigue, or even stress. Given your high degree of myopia and astigmatism, your eyes may be more sensitive to changes in lighting conditions, particularly when looking at bright surfaces like a white wall or the sky.

In terms of severity, while floaters and light spots are often benign, they can sometimes indicate more serious conditions, such as retinal tears or detachments, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms like flashes of light or a sudden increase in the number of floaters. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist, particularly since you have a history of retinal surgery.

In conclusion, while the light spots you are experiencing may be related to your existing floaters or the natural aging process of your eyes, it is essential to keep monitoring your symptoms. If you notice any changes, such as an increase in the number of floaters, flashes of light, or any changes in your vision, you should seek immediate medical attention. Regular eye examinations will help ensure that any potential issues are caught early, allowing for appropriate management and peace of mind.

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