Weird spots in vision...

[cmartin2112]

Hello,

I started noticing over the past month or so that I see these white, blue, and purple spots/flashes in my peripheral vision. They only last for maybe 30 seconds or less and go away for a couple hours. They also only cover a very very small percent of my vision and sometimes if I look in the direction they are at or blink they go away. I noticed that they seem to be worse in lighter areas or if I have been staring at a screen (mobile phone or laptop) for long periods of time.
I have had my eyes dilated (twice in the past 3 months) and had a through exam by an eye Dr. the only thing they noticed is I have astigmatism and floaters. They said my retina, optic nerve and pressure all looked fine and that I should come back in a year.
A little about me... Im a 25 year old male, about 5'8", 155lbs, I have asthma and allergies (allergies are really bad right now with sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, etc.).

Any insight would be greatly appreciated... Hopefully I am just being overly "sensitive" about this and its not an eye disease or some sort of brain issue (unfortunately the internet has me believing I have a nero disease)

Thanks in advance...

[JohnHaganMD]

Best of luck

[cmartin2112]

To me that sounds like what a afterimage is... Mine is not so much like that it happens at random and doesn't stick around to long. My doctor didn't seem to concerned about the 'things' I am seeing and prescribed me Prozac. I will let you know if I get an answer.

[cmartin2112]

So, went to PCP today and she did a neuro exam and said everything looked fine and gave me Prozac. She said if I am still having problems after taking the Prozac for a week then come back and she will order an MRI.

[JohnHaganMD]

=

[Kitty_Pich]

When I start having eye strain, I also like this. After I look at a bulb, phone and iPad screen. I hope u will not have serious problem. :) please let me know ur cause too after ur eye check up. Good luck!

[JohnHaganMD]

best to be sure but I think you'll have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season

[cmartin2112]

That's what I am hoping for... This whole spot thing kinda stressed me out that I have a brain tumor or something of the like... That's why I sought out the visit to the eye doc initially (hoping they could also reassure me and for the most part they did). I do have an appointment scheduled for Monday with my primary so I'll sit tight until then.

I have noticed that the spots do not stick around for longer then maybe 5 seconds. I guess they seem to happen more when lighting changes however I don't think its an after image because nothing matches that shape of the "splotch". As mentioned before they seem to go away when I try to look in the direction or if I blink.

Confusing I know...

[JohnHaganMD]

I think its likely your tests will turn out well. I've answered these questions on MedHelp.org since 2007 and we have had some people with the same complaint.  I don't believe any of them reported coming down with something like MS or the like.  Often it remains unexplained.  If you are around uneven lighting it might be due to awareness of a strong after-image (like if a camera flash goes off in your face and you shut your eyes and see the after-image). In any case good luck. If you find a cause let us know.  JCH MD

[cmartin2112]

Thanks.

I am just going to go straight to my primary care doctor and see if she will send me for an MRI maybe that will reveal why this is happening.

[JohnHaganMD]

It either comes from the eye or it comes from the body other than the eye with the brain being the most common source. If eye is normal with second exam than need to be sure no problems like atypical seizures, lesions, etc  JCH MD

[cmartin2112]

Thanks Dr. Hagan.

I will look into seeing another ophthalmologist. The 'thing' I see doesn't flash its just a color splotch that will sometimes stick around for (maybe) 30 seconds (usually like a second or less). What do you think might be going on if it is neurologist related?

Thanks

[JohnHaganMD]

You live in Denver which has a lot of ophthalmologists. I suggest you contact one for a second opinion about your problem. Be sure you see an Eye MD this time not a non-MD optometrist.

If the exam is negative and you are still symptomatic ask the ophthalmologist about see a neurologist.  A light that flashes for 30 seconds is not normal and is not the type of flash see with retinal tears or detachments.

JCH MD