Spontaneous flashes of light in vision

Hello,

For the past 10-15 years I have had this problem with my vision. At random time during the day, a portion of my vision will be blocked by random flashes of colored light. It seems like all the colors are flashing rapidly at once. Not from one color to the next but more likr static on a tv but different colors. The first time I recall this happening was after I got a minor concussion. It usually appears in the bottom right corner of my left eye but it effects both eyes. I usually just ignore it and it goes away within 1-10 minutes.
Today I realized that in addition to the random vision spots, I also can notice colors flashing in the background of my vision. This is not cerntralized to one part but it occurs all over. I can make myself focus on what i'm looking at and efffectively "zone out" the color flashes. I assume the two things are related but I can't be sure. I am worried that it is something that will continue to get worse over time until all I see are colors.

What could be causing this?

I went to an eye doctor when it first started happening but they didn't tell me anything helpfull. I used to just ingore it until I found out that you can have a seizure in your brain and not know it. I am not prone to seizures, but the thought crossed my mind that this could be the cause.

Thank you.

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

Interestingly we get a message like yours 5-8 times/month, most with no clue what causes it.

90% of the time its an eye migraine also known as ophthalmic migraine. These often have no headache with them. They are common in women, esp if on birth control pills or positive family history of migraine.

HOWEVER they can be caused in some occassions by serious disease of the eye, heart, brain or blood vessels. The longer you have had them without someting bad developing the more likely its eye migraine. use the search feature to learn more.

You should discuss with your personal physician, see an ophthalmologist and discuss with him/her. If you smoke STOP if you are on BCP discuss with your gynecologist

JCH MD