Is eye flashing a serious condition if no detacted retina appears?

I started out with flashing in the left eye and one floater, I'm 61, then about 2 months later I notice I have flashing also in my right eye, no floaters at this time.  I have a bad family history of macular degeneration, my mother, half sister, aunts, etc.  I went to an optometrist who checked for detacted retina and macular  thing were ok, then flashing right side also, I went back and again no macular or detacted retina.  Should I also go to:  ophthalmologist?  Is flashing directly related to heavy weight, blood pressure, and diabetics?


This discussion is related to Flashing Lights in Eyes.

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

With a family history of macular degeration ARMD you need to be under the care of an Eye MD. There are quite a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of getting it even though its been now show to be a genetic inheritable disease.

You also should have your eyes checked by an an Eye MD with a dilated exam to rule out holes, tears, bleeding or RD.  Find an Eye MD near you at www.aao.org


Flashing is related to vitreous traction on the retina so rapid head or eye movements can cause flashing especially at night. BP and diabetes should not cause flashing.

JCH MD

[advmktg]

Thank you for the valuable info.  I have had my eyes dilated my an optometrist 2 times once when left eye starting flashing and floater and when right eyes flashed without floaters.  Both time the macular and retina were fine.  But since the procedure of dilation is only $15 it is worth doing at least 2 times a yrs plus when any additional change happens.  Thanks for ruling out BP and diabetes as causes I thought pressure would affect it.

I will look up Vitreous Traction.  
Michael Johnson

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

While you're looking things up look up the difference in training between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist. You should see an Eye MD in my opinion.

JCH MD