Is this a flasher?

[Lefteye625]

I have had a complex pvr retinal detachment (1 year ago) and now have "persistent cystoid macular edema" in that eye and lattice degeneration in both eyes..  I have been experiencing a pulsing light flash in the bottom left corner of my left eye.  If I close my eyes, it still flashes.  I have the idea that it may be anxiety or stress related, and I don't really know if this is what "flashers" are.  (I didn't have this symptom when my retina detached, I had like a veil or curtain over the eye)  Help?

[kivrin]

It sounds like a flasher .. a flasher is somewhat of a precursor to a retinal detachment. What is happening is the vitreous is moving /detaching on the inside of your eye and pulling against the retina. It does not automatically mean your retina is detaching .. but it does mean to go get it checked pronto. Once the retina starts detaching, it goes pretty quick . and surgery gets more and more intense, the loss of vision more risky.

However, the vitreous can detach without tearing the retina. Or, it may continue to flash for a couple weeks and then tear the retina. I wouldn't worry about going to the ER tonight, but I would call my eye doc tomorrow first thing.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

What is "pvr"? That's not a standard abbreviation.

Flashes from traction on the retina are very short duration (1 sec or less), very bright intensity, seen better at night, may occur with rapid head of eye movements. It's like a flashbulb going off or a bolt of bright lightening at night.

JCH MD

[berrywoo]

pvr = proliferative vitreoretinopathy

It seems to be a pretty standard abbreviation in the vitreo-retinal literature from my experience.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

BGYMBRBIHTA

(by golly you may be right but I had to ask"

JCH MD

[Lgreeen]

Having problems with flashing lights when go from light to dark room-ie leaving home go out in dark. Lasts approx 2 mins.-long enough to frighten me!  Take Plaquenil 400mg QD have only been on for 3 months-had eye exam before tx began-all ok.  Lost medical insurance so difficult to pay for exam.  Is this something urgent or is this merely side effect from med.  Just would like ur opinion.  What else to watch for, etc.  Thanks!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

re-read the prescribing information given you on Plaquenil and discuss it with your personal physician. Whether its vitreous induced flash or a drug side effect you need to discuss it with both your MD and an ophthalmologist

JCHMD