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Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Occular Migraine? Retinal Detachment?
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.
Occular Migraine? Retinal Detachment?
by Kely__0__0, Mar 07, 1999 12:00AM
Hi,
About two months ago I began to see bright lights coming into my field of vision. I can not see through these lights,
they last two/three seconds, and then either leave my field of vision or die out. (They are not floaters- they are larger, brighter and move
differently.) This only happens in my left eye. I see them off and on throughout the day- every day. I should note hear I have seen floaters for years
and I am very near-sighted. (Contacts- 6.75 in left eye.) About a month ago I also began
to see a pulsating black shadow that will come and go on the top of my field of vision. This pulsating shadow
is getting worse and worse- ie. staying longer and seems to be getting bigger. I does come and go though.
Also all of the black pulsating shadow is in the top half of my field of vision. The lights seem to mostly originate
from there as well. Over the last few days, I have now begun to experience what I can only describe as "power surges"
in my left eye. (A very fast change in the brightness of things.)
I did see a retinol specialist about a week ago. He says I do have a small retinol detachment in the lower half of my
left eye. I have to go back in another week to see if the detechment is leaking fluid. He says I may or may not have to
have laser surgery. He also seems to think the detachment occured anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years ago.
He seems to think that my vision problems may be due to occular migraines (I have no corresponding headaches) and not the retinal detachment.
My question is- does this sound correct? I don't understand what could cause me to begin to suddenly have so many problems with my left eye- and it seems to be getting worse.
Any input you may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD JL, Mar 07, 1999 12:00AM
_
I agree that the first thing to rule out would be a retinal detachment given your level of near sightedness. Certainly traction on the retina may stimulate bright flashes of light but the retinal specialist should be able to identify this. It is possible that this could represent migraines without headaches as well. It is usually the case that both eyes would manifest symptoms however. It sounds as though the care you are receiving is rational. Good luck.
This information was provided for medical informational purposes only.
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-JL
Member Comments
by jenx2000, Apr 25, 2009 02:15PM
A related discussion, Painful blind eye was started.
