photopsia

I am suffering from a sensation of white specks of light which flash throughout the day. I might get a dozen or so flashes a day which only last a split second.

I started noticing these about 3 years ago and about a year ago I had an eye exam with pupil dilation but nothing was found.

What could be going on?

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

You may be hyperaware of entopic phenomena including phosphenes. If after 3 years its not developed into anything serious you're likely in good shape

CJ MD

[jim509]

Thanks for your reply.

Suppose it was something serious like a retinal disease or even a retinal tear, how long would it take for it to develop into a retinal detachment or even blindness?
Could it progress slowly over a period of months or years?

That is what I am worried about.

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

The kind of reassurance you are seeking can only come after an Eye MD has examined your eyes. See one. Find one near you at www.aao.org
JCH MD

[jim509]

The last time I had my pupils dilated with drops, my eyes became sensitive to bright light, which as I understand is normal. However eveer since that examination my eyes have remained very sensitive so that I cant go out on a sunny day.

How likely is it that the eye drops are to blame for the onset of my photophobia?