Flashing lights

[14aries]

I had an extensive eye test this week at the local Opticians and everything was normal (need reading glasses) but other than that normal.  Since then I have noticed a lot more floaters than usual in my left eye, this is the weakest eye and is really noticable.  Also flashing vertical lights in outside of left eye.  These lights seem to be like long dashes like - - - - - - but vertical.  Any idea what they could mean.  When I had my test I told the Optician that there was a blind spot on the board when reading the letters, it just covered the second letter around the 4th line down.  He did not seem concerned, just changed the lenses til the right one was apparent.  Yesterday I saw flashes and floaters all day.  This morning they are far less.  Could it be that my eyes have just been irritated by the test or should I seek further advice?
Thank you for your help

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[14aries]

Dear Dr Hagan
Many thanks for your comments.  I did go back to my Optician yesterday and he had another look in my eyes, he says nothing has changed since my test and says the floaters are minute.  He does not think it is anything to worry about but obviously if it does get any worse (larger floaters, constant flashing) he asked me to go back to have drops to dilate pupils.  He did seem to know what he was talking about and I did feel reassured at that time.  He also explained that sometimes it may be caused by migraine and that this does not always come with pain.  I have never suffered with migraines before.  The flashes have decreased and are not very often, however I did take pain relief for a headache when I went to bed last night and on getting up this morning still had a headache and took for pain relief again.  The headache has cleared during the day.  I must admit that after reading your response I was a little concerned again and will definitely go for further examination tomorrow if any worse.  Thank you again for your help.
  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You may be from the UK where optometrists are called opticians. your symptoms are concerning and you should see a specialist Eye MD ophthalmologist. As your GP to refer you.  DO NOT STOP WITH WHAT YOU"VE BEEN TOLD.

JCH MD