Visual Disturbances: Causes of Light Sensations and Flashes in Eyes

The eyes have a sensation of brightness?

Hello Doctor: Due to years of degeneration in the central area of the retina, I have lost central vision, but my peripheral vision remains clear.
1.
In a dark room, when I remain still and first look to the left before moving my eyes to the right, I notice a faint vertical light resembling an eyebrow shape appearing in the left corner of my left eye, which then quickly disappears; the light sensation is very weak.
Similarly, when I look from the right side to the left, the right corner of my right eye also shows the same faint light...
What could be the reason for this? 2.
When I tightly close one eye and then suddenly open it, that eye sometimes experiences flashes of light, which only occur when I apply pressure with my eyebrow and eyelid; this phenomenon does not happen otherwise.
Should this be considered as experiencing flashes? I discovered this incidentally.
3.
In recent years, I have noticed a rotating light in front of my eyes, resembling a white light in the shape of an eyebrow, which rotates clockwise for four to five circles before disappearing...
Could this be related to floaters? When looking at a light-colored wall with one eye, I see a large area of flickering dots fixed in that region, which is less noticeable when both eyes are used together.
Does this also qualify as floaters? 4.
To check for any retinal tears in the periphery, is it sufficient to dilate the pupils and lie back in the examination chair while the ophthalmologist uses a bright light instrument on their head and a round device that looks like a magnifying glass, asking me to look in various directions to perform the examination? Or is additional equipment required?

Duo Duo, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/01/17

Dr. Zhang Yanrui reply Ophthalmology

When the retina in the eye is stimulated, it presents sensations in the form of light perception.
Therefore, stimuli such as light, electricity, or pressure can all produce visual sensations.
For instance, if you press on your eyeball, you will also experience light perception.
If you see swirling glare, it indicates that the vitreous is pulling on the retina, and it is essential to have a fundus examination by an ophthalmologist.
The examination you mentioned is one of the methods used; different doctors may use different instruments for fundus examination, but the sensitivity is generally comparable.

Reply Date: 2008/01/17

More Info

Understanding visual disturbances, particularly sensations of light and flashes in the eyes, can be complex and multifaceted. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of visual phenomena that may be linked to underlying ocular conditions. Let’s break down your concerns and explore the potential causes and implications of these symptoms.

1. Micro-light Sensations in Dark Environments: The phenomenon of seeing faint vertical light shapes when moving your gaze from one side to another in a dark room could be related to several factors. One possibility is that these sensations are due to the way your retina processes light, especially in low-light conditions. When you shift your gaze, the photoreceptors in your retina may respond differently, leading to transient light sensations. This could also be related to the degeneration of the central retina, which you mentioned, as the surrounding areas may be compensating for the loss of central vision. Additionally, this could be a form of visual afterimage or a result of the brain's interpretation of visual signals when transitioning between different visual fields.

2. Flashes When Closing and Opening One Eye: The flashes you experience when you tightly close one eye and then quickly open it may indeed be classified as visual phenomena. This could be due to mechanical stimulation of the retina or the vitreous gel within the eye. When you apply pressure to the eye, it can cause the vitreous to tug on the retina, leading to the perception of flashes of light. This is generally not a cause for concern unless it occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms such as persistent flashes or a sudden increase in floaters.

3. Rotating White Light Sensation: The description of a rotating white light that resembles a leaf or fan could be indicative of a visual aura, which is often associated with migraines. However, if this occurs without headache, it could also be a form of visual disturbance related to retinal issues or even a type of visual migraine. The flashes and spots you observe against a light background may be consistent with floaters, which are common and usually benign, but they can also be a sign of retinal changes, especially if they are new or increasing in number.

4. Retinal Examination Process: The examination you described, where the ophthalmologist uses a bright light and a magnifying lens to check for retinal tears or holes, is a standard procedure. This is typically done after dilating your pupils with eye drops to allow a better view of the retina. The doctor will ask you to look in different directions to assess the peripheral retina thoroughly. If there are concerns about the retina, additional imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography may be recommended for a more detailed evaluation.

In summary, your symptoms could be related to a variety of factors, including retinal degeneration, mechanical stimulation of the retina, or benign visual phenomena such as floaters and flashes. It is crucial to maintain regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist, especially given your history of retinal issues. If you notice any changes in your symptoms, such as an increase in the frequency or intensity of flashes, or if you experience new symptoms like a curtain-like shadow over your vision, seek immediate medical attention. Your eye health is paramount, and timely intervention can help prevent potential complications.

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