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Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Bright lights/hallucinations at night
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Bright lights/hallucinations at night
by Lenete-Ham, Jun 15, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Lenette Hamm on June 15, 1999 at 22:38:13
My 78 year old widowed mother has been terrified for 3 years, thinking someone is trying to get into her house. She sees very bright lights, sometimes for up to 4 hours a night, shining into her bedroom windows. She has heavy shades and drapes to block out all light, even covered windows with blankets, and still says someone is shining bright flashlights into her room.
She has had cataract surgery, is being treated for glaucoma, takes Benedryl several times daily, and drinks a few beers every night.
The police have all but ruled out a prowler, and we are beginning to believe this is a medical/neurological problem. Does anyone have any ideas? Other than this she is in good health, active and still working part time. Thanks for any assistance.
Posted by HFHS M.D.-JL on June 16, 1999 at 00:42:47
There is a phenomenon of seeing bright flashes of light in darkness, however, this is usually transient. She certainly needs her retina thoroughly evaluated. She may want to try to sleep with a light on if it is the darkness that bothers her. It is also important to distinguish between her visual symptoms and the feeling that someone is prowling. Good luck.
This information was provided for educational purposes only.
HFHS M.D.-JL
