New Eye Flash - Retinal Tear?

[would_appreciate_an_answer]

Hi,

I know that the most common answer would be, see your opticians or retinal specialist etc. I have made an appointment for tomorrow but would like any opinions/answers to calm my nerves.

Basically I am 18 with no medical problems. Since 16 I have had myopia, which has got worse. -2.00 to -3.25 in 2 years. I expect the subscription will get worse again when I see the opticians tomorrow.

I suffer from floaters and my eyes are quite sensitive to light. (well mostly in the mornings)

I developed a light-bulb flash in my left eye in my periphery vision. I can see it better when I cover my right eye and blink. Its green and is NOT a lightning-style flash...Although if I keep blinking it does blink too.

Any ideas what this can be?

[would_appreciate_an_answer]

I don't really understand what you're saying. I went to the opticians. She dilated my pupils and checked my eyes. I even told her to check properly and she was sure there was nothing wrong.

So I'm ok yes?

[68flygirl]

I'm also in the UK. I went to my GP and asked for a referral to an ophthalmologist to continue the monitoring of my condition of lattice degeneration discovered more than 25 years ago in the U.S. I received an appointment 3 1/2 weeks later.  After dilating and examining my eyes the doctor did immediate laser surgery as I had a retinal tear.  He said if I had symptoms like flashing lights or lots of floaters go to A & E immediately.  Those sort of symptoms can indicate a tear or detachment and are not to be ignored!  Opticians and optometrists are not qualified to treat serious problems.  You need to see an ophthalmologist.  Good luck!

[sillyvixen]

i agree things are very different in the uk!! usually if you have eye problems and go to a dr. he or she will suggest going to an optician for an eye test .. if there is a problem other than priscription you will either be referred back to your dr - or fast track reffered to the hospital eye services - depending on seriousness of the problem!!

[would_appreciate_an_answer]

The system might be different in the US.

I'm from the UK remember.

[walkietalkie]

Strange. I thought opticians only make glasses.

[would_appreciate_an_answer]

Just went to the opticians.

Had lots of tests..

First had my pupils dilated and she checked the retina.

Then I did a peripheral test where I look into the orange light and click when I see some white lights. That went find.

Then I had another test where she looked into the back of my eye using machine thing. Looked like a complex equipment.

that was fine.

[dukey]

No Specsavers is not what you want. Go to your GP and ask for a referral to an eye MD. Sounds like a phosphene to me or vitreous traction. You are not highly myopia and so are not at higher risk for RDs etc.

[would_appreciate_an_answer]

its not really flashing lights....I've noticed that it is more noticeable when my glasses are off and I cover my right eye...It seems to happen at the sections where my glasses do not cover my eye sight. Really weird I know...

Anyways I will see the opticians in a few hours so will get back to you.  

[AppleBr]

Hi
Retina detachments occurs in all ages . Read about a 16 yo posted here
Unfortunatelly! Its less probable if you are not too much myopic, but possible - mine was one of those 'bad luck " caused.
Wishing you good luck! And good dreams,if possible - i do know how expectation is...
Count on us, anyway!!

[sillyvixen]

when you made your eye appointment did you mention the flashing? did they advise you further apart from making an appointment? sudden onset of flashing lights should not be ignored - the advice i would have given you if you could not get a same day appointment would be A&E ... but expect a wait.. if you are not sure weather to proceed along this route phone NHS direct and talk to someone who will advise on whether A&E is the best route.

[would_appreciate_an_answer]

oh ok thanks. btw specsavers is a big opticians here in the uk..Maybe thats why?

also do you know if retinal tears/detachments occur in 18 year olds?

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

1. PVD can occur in younger people especially if they are myopic.
2. Specsavers doesn't sound to me like a place where an Eye MD ophthalmologist would practice. Commercial opticians (Pearl's, Lencrafters, etc) employ non MD optometrists not Eye MD ophthalmologists.
3. I can't be sure of anything on this website. I don't make specific diagnoses. I can say something is "likely" or "could be". Only an in person real exam can do that.

JCH MD

[would_appreciate_an_answer]

sorry to keep bothering you..

You suggest PVD. I thought this was only common in old people or people who are highly myopic.

Also, are you sure it isn't a retinal tear?

( don't worry I will be going to see someone tomorrow)

[would_appreciate_an_answer]

oh ok thanks....I will be going to specsavers..Is that ok? (its an opticians)

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

PVD, vitreous traction, vascular distrubance, pressure phosphene would be the most likely cause.

Be sure you are seeing an Eye MD ophthalmologist and not a non-MD non-physician optometrist.

JCH MD