Visual afterimages, Ophthalmology FAQ

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Understanding Visual Afterimages: When to Seek Eye Care

Seeing visual afterimages or bright spots? When I close my eyes, I can see some small bright spots and dark dots that appear and disappear. Some of them can also be seen when my eyes are open, resembling visual afterimages. They are most noticeable when I blink, and some change f...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you mentioned, including seeing small bright spots and dark spots when your eyes are closed, as well as experiencing fleeting shadows upon opening your eyes, may be related to issues with the retina or vitreous body. These phenomena can sometimes be considered...

[Read More] Understanding Visual Afterimages: When to Seek Eye Care


Understanding Visual Disturbances: Flickering Lights and Floaters Explained

Upon waking up, I noticed that the wall seemed to be swaying, and there was a slight flickering sensation? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been troubled by flashes of light. I have undergone multiple dilated eye examinations and ultra-widefield fundus photography, but no issues we...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, there are several possible explanations to consider: 1. Vitreous Degeneration: You mentioned seeing transparent objects resembling amoebae on sunny days, which is typical of floaters, commonly associated with vitreous degeneration or degeneration....

[Read More] Understanding Visual Disturbances: Flickering Lights and Floaters Explained


Seeing Afterimages Upon Waking: Possible Causes and Concerns

Waking up in the middle of the night with afterimages? Hello Doctor, I have a sleeping environment with a small night light and a ceiling fan. For the past three days, when I wake up in the middle of the night and open my eyes, I see a faint afterimage of the fan illuminated by t...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you see afterimages of the fan when you open your eyes in the dark or dimly lit environment, and these afterimages disappear after a few seconds. You have a history of dry eye syndrome and retinal tears, and you are taking cold medication and pro...

[Read More] Seeing Afterimages Upon Waking: Possible Causes and Concerns


Understanding Eye Issues: Floaters, Flashes, and Dry Eyes Explained

Flashes, eye problems? Hello Doctor, thank you for answering some of my questions previously. I really appreciate it. I have floaters and wear orthokeratology lenses. I have some additional questions I would like to ask: 1. Recently, when I stare at a screen for a long time, I ...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. Seeing a flash of light when staring at a screen: This situation may be related to eye fatigue or visual overstimulation. When you focus on a screen for an extended period, the photoreceptors in the retina may produce brief visual afterimages, which is a normal phenom...

[Read More] Understanding Eye Issues: Floaters, Flashes, and Dry Eyes Explained


Understanding Visual Disturbances: Spots and Flashes After Waking Up

Upon waking, I notice many spots in my vision? Hello Doctor: I have a history of retinal tears in both eyes and have undergone laser treatment. This morning, when the phone rang in the living room, I hurriedly walked from my room and suddenly noticed many round spots of light in ...


Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Hello Miss Xiao Ju: Visual persistence is a common phenomenon. Generally, if it resolves quickly, there is no need to worry too much. However, if you are still concerned, it is advisable to have an eye examination. Director He Jianxian, Ophthalmology Department, Nantou Hospital.

[Read More] Understanding Visual Disturbances: Spots and Flashes After Waking Up


Understanding Visual Disturbances: Glaucoma, Floaters, and Eye Strain

The sensation of light when blinking? Hello, Doctor! I have early-stage glaucoma, floaters, and myopia with a prescription of -5 to -6 diopters along with astigmatism (I have regular check-ups, and my visual field, OCT, and retinal examinations in December all showed normal resul...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. The phenomenon of seeing white circles resembling eyes after blinking in the dark may be a visual afterimage. A visual afterimage refers to the persistence of a visual impression after the stimulus has been removed. In low light conditions, blinking causes the pupils ...

[Read More] Understanding Visual Disturbances: Glaucoma, Floaters, and Eye Strain


Understanding Visual Afterimages and Color Sensitivity After Retina Laser Surgery

Visual afterimages, complementary colors, photophobia? Hello, I have undergone retinal laser treatment (for a retinal tear) and I am currently having regular check-ups. My last examination, including a fundus examination, was normal. However, I am now experiencing complementary c...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Visual persistence is divided into positive afterimages and negative afterimages. It refers to the phenomenon where visual perception remains for a period of time after the light stimulus on the retina has ceased. Positive afterimages are identical to the original image, w...

[Read More] Understanding Visual Afterimages and Color Sensitivity After Retina Laser Surgery


Managing Normal-Pressure Glaucoma: Medication Concerns and Symptoms

Medication Issues After the Unexpected Diagnosis of Normal-Pressure Glaucoma Hello, Director. Last week, I unexpectedly discovered during my internship that I have a thin retinal thickness (nasally) through OCT. After conducting a visual field test, both eyes showed abnormalities...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Currently, there are some abnormalities in your visual field, but this is a baseline test. The values of -3dB and -4dB alone cannot specifically define the degree of abnormality. If there are no changes later, it may simply be the way it is, and there is no need to worry t...

[Read More] Managing Normal-Pressure Glaucoma: Medication Concerns and Symptoms


Understanding Visual Shadows: Are They Normal with Floaters?

Questions about shadows in the vision and glaucoma? I have floaters and discovered a retinal tear which has been treated. During my follow-up appointment in early June, my retina was checked and found to be fine. However, about a week after the appointment, I noticed that in a fi...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: The appearance of shadowy spots resembling visual afterimages after retinal laser surgery may be related to the surgical process and recovery period. Retinal laser surgery is a treatment method for retinal diseases that can cause some temporary visual changes. After retina...

[Read More] Understanding Visual Shadows: Are They Normal with Floaters?


Understanding Visual Afterimages and Floaters: Key Eye Health Insights

Visual persistence + floaters Hello Doctor: I have myopia of approximately 800 to 900 degrees, floaters, and dry eyes. I had a normal fundus examination a month ago. I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. I sometimes experience significant visual persistence, for example...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, this may be a phenomenon known as "vitreous detachment," rather than visual persistence. The vitreous is the clear gel-like substance in the eye, which gradually shrinks and changes shape with age. When these changes begin to affec...

[Read More] Understanding Visual Afterimages and Floaters: Key Eye Health Insights


Concerns About Eye Damage from Home IPL Hair Removal Devices

Exposure to bright light in the eyes? Today, while using a home IPL hair removal device, I forgot to wear sunglasses. The device emitted light before it was fully in contact with my skin, and I was about 10 centimeters away from it (due to my nearsightedness, I couldn't see ...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: If there are no symptoms after resting, then it should not be a concern. However, if you do it again next time, you should still be cautious. If any symptoms arise, make sure to see an ophthalmologist promptly.

[Read More] Concerns About Eye Damage from Home IPL Hair Removal Devices


Understanding Visual Afterimages and Eye Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Visual persistence Hello, doctor. I have myopia of 900 degrees, floaters, and dry eyes. I had a fundus examination done half a month ago, which was normal. 1. Recently, I noticed that when I look at the grid tiles in the bathroom and then close my eyes, I see a grid-like light ...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. This phenomenon occurs because the brain continues to process visual information even when the eyes are closed. This is a normal occurrence and does not pose any harm to vision or health. 2. This pain may be caused by eye strain or ocular pressure. Eye strain can result...

[Read More] Understanding Visual Afterimages and Eye Discomfort: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Floaters: When to Worry About Retinal Detachment Risks

Floaters and retinal detachment? I remember having floaters since elementary school, but I wasn't very aware of them and there weren't many. Currently, my myopia is less than -1.00 diopters. Recently, due to frequent studying and tutoring, I feel that the floaters have ...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Dear Concerned Student, 1. It may be a bit early to worry. 2. You can observe it on your own. 3. The occurrence of floaters (myodesopsia) does not increase indefinitely; sometimes they may decrease over time, so there is no need to be overly concerned. 4. Bright spots are usuall...

[Read More] Understanding Floaters: When to Worry About Retinal Detachment Risks


Understanding Lightning Symptoms in Eyes: Glaucoma and Retinal Concerns

The occurrence of lightning-like symptoms in the eyes is related to issues concerning glaucoma? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. (1) While riding my bike to work and walking up the stairs to my office, I noticed a phenomenon where there were bright, light...


Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Hello: 1. Your astigmatism seems to take about ten minutes to resolve, which is not typical of a retinal issue; flashes caused by retinal traction are usually momentary. I'm not quite sure what your symptoms are. 2. Glaucoma has a hereditary tendency, but it is difficult to ...

[Read More] Understanding Lightning Symptoms in Eyes: Glaucoma and Retinal Concerns


Understanding Blurry Vision and Visual Disturbances: Possible Causes and Solutions

It resembles presbyopia and issues with visual afterimages? Hello, doctor. My work environment primarily involves using a computer, monitoring screens, and wearing safety glasses. Due to the pandemic over the past two years, plastic sheets have been installed in the office and br...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it may be related to the eye's accommodative ability, which could indicate early symptoms of presbyopia. If there is a difference in the prescription between your two eyes, one eye may be more affected than the other. I recommend that you se...

[Read More] Understanding Blurry Vision and Visual Disturbances: Possible Causes and Solutions


Understanding Visual Afterimages: When to Consult an Eye Specialist

Visual persistence question? OR minor question? Dear Doctor, I apologize for bothering you again. This morning, while washing my face, I accidentally splashed some water from the basin into my eyes. Currently, my vision is clear with no blurriness, no red lights, and no dark sha...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Wanfu: If water from a basin comes into contact with your eyes, it should not be a concern. Staring at a black background with white text for an extended period can cause afterimages, which is a normal physiological phenomenon and not something to worry about. The same goe...

[Read More] Understanding Visual Afterimages: When to Consult an Eye Specialist


Understanding Visual Afterimages: Causes and Symptoms Explained

Eye floaters Recently, I have noticed that when I close my eyes and then open them, I see an afterimage as if I have been exposed to light. I'm not sure if it's caused by light, but can closing my eyes also create an afterimage? It's not just a blink; I need to kee...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: It is normal to see afterimages when light is perceived through closed eyelids, as light can still penetrate the eyelids and reach the retina. This is considered a normal phenomenon.

[Read More] Understanding Visual Afterimages: Causes and Symptoms Explained


Common Eye Concerns: Retinal Detachment, Visual Afterimages, and Floaters

Some personal questions? Hello, Doctor. I have some personal questions I would like to ask: 1. I have high myopia and am concerned about the risk of retinal detachment and tears. What can I do to prevent these issues? If they occur, what symptoms should I look out for? 2. I als...


Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. There is basically no way to prevent it, but you can try to minimize head movements and eye impacts, and have regular check-ups. If there is a tear, timely laser treatment is necessary. Symptoms may include an increase in floaters, flashes of light, and shadows. 2. This...

[Read More] Common Eye Concerns: Retinal Detachment, Visual Afterimages, and Floaters


Understanding Nighttime Visual Afterimages: Causes and Concerns

After blinking at night, the residual image (light spot) is visible? Hello, doctor. Five days ago, I noticed that when I blink in the dark, I see an afterimage as if I were exposed to a bright light. The faster I blink, the brighter the color becomes (a cyan-green hue). During th...


Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: I have not encountered this situation in clinical practice, so I am unable to provide an answer to your question. If you continue to experience discomfort, I recommend consulting with your attending physician. Sincerely, Dr. Ho Chien-Hsien, Department of Ophth...

[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Visual Afterimages: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Visual Afterimages: Causes and Concerns in Low Light

Afterimages (light spots) that can only be seen when blinking in the dark or in low-light conditions? Hello Doctor, about five days ago, I noticed that when I blink in the dark, I see a small square-shaped afterimage as if I were exposed to bright light. The faster I blink, the m...


Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Hello Ms. Anonymous: I have not encountered this situation in clinical practice, so I am unable to address your question. If you continue to experience discomfort, I recommend consulting with your attending physician. Dr. He Jianxian, Ophthalmology Department, Nantou Hospital.

[Read More] Understanding Visual Afterimages: Causes and Concerns in Low Light


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