Bright Spot in Vision = Neurological?

[Astroturf]

Dear Doctors:

I appreciate this forum so much for its enormous, accessible, trustworthy content.

I have a problem in my right eye, and after searching the forums, I see that many other posters have had the same symptoms. I see a bright spot, like I've looked into a flash, which flickers only when I blink, but then other times remains a grey "blob." I have this come and go before, but this time, it has last several days.

You have told many posters that the problem is likely neurological. When I hear "neurological," I immediately think "brain tumor," which is my greatest fear. If vision problems are "neurological," does that mean they are very serious? What neurological problems cause vision symptoms? Are all of them bad? Any benign?

Again, my mind jumps right to brain tumor when you say "neurological," so I guess I'm just wanting clarification/peace of mind.

I have no other symptoms. Healthy eye exam. Healthy exam with general doctor.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Since I started answering this forum the symptom you describe is one that mystifies me and the other is "visual snow".  

So far none of the posters that have your symptoms have reported serious disease such as strokes, brain tumors etc.

I would suggest seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist. If they don't find anything and nothing changes I would not worry.

You can find an neuro-ophthal  at www.aao.org

JCH III MD

[Astroturf]

See, I guess my fear is based mostly on ignorance, then, because when I see "neuro," it makes me think you suspect a brain tumor. Are there benign eye problems that are strictly "neurological"?

Don't brain tumors usually cause a dramatic loss of vision? And wouldn't there be other significant symptoms as well?

Is it possible these strange eye symptoms are caused by floaters? Perhaps one very close to the retina?

I also wonder if those of us with this same symptom are perhaps describing something universal and "normal" in an unusual way, and that is why it mystifies everyone. For instance, we seem to be fixated on the "it flickers when I blink" aspect. Maybe everyone with a "regular" bright and/or gray spot in their vision also has "flickering" when they blink, they just haven't noticed it and therefore focused on it?

In which case, if I just said "I have a bright/light spot in my right eye," would your mind think of more common diagnoses?

[mel07green]

hi there astroturf

i have the exact same thing as you and am most curious about the answers to your questions. i too often wonder whether this is a common experience that other people's brains just tune out ...

[Astroturf]

I'm beginning to wonder if this is in fact some kind of migraine issue. Other times, the "flash bulb" spot has only lasted a day, at most. This time is has lasted almost a week. But I never have a headache. Is it possible to have a persistent aura with no headache?

I'm also wondering if there is a defect in our eyes which makes them not recover from bright light. Isn't it the SCones (?) that are depleted in bright light and have to recover before an afterimage will go away? Then maybe is there something wrong with our SCones?

It's encouraging to know that so many people right here on this board have had the same issue...some of them for many years. Encouraging because it means this is likely something benign.

It also seems like most of us with this issue tend to be health worriers. So maybe lots of other people have/have had this, but they don't become obsessed in the same way we do.

[tabingins911]

I THOUGHT "NUEROLGICAL" HAD TO DO WITH THE NERVES,SUCH AS SOMETHING AFFECTING THE NERVES TEMPORARILY OR DAMAGING THEM PERMENTLY.

[Laurieinwa]

i am seeing  a neuro opthalmologist for my eyes. I have AIBSE or Big Blind Spot syndrome which is a problem in the retina. Mine problem includes flashing lights at all time..but i see it mostly in the dark. At least see opthalmogist , then go see neuro/opthalmologist

[AnnaE]

I see a bright flash in both eyes at times--it seems to be one ey, but it is really both. I read that it could have to do with migraine, but my retinologist did not know what it is.

I do not have a blob, however.

As the doctor here says, get checked.

[Noelle77]

I have this too, can't understand what it is!