Occasional white light flash in my peripheral vision

I am seeing an intermittant flash of white light in my left peripheral vision that looks like a moving circle or C.  I can see it with my eye open or closed and it seems to be worse at times.  Sometimes I don't notice it, but if I am in a dark ambient environment, I can sometimes see it flash every few seconds.  Sometimes I don't notice it at all.  I am 47 y.o. and it just started a few months ago.  Any ideas?

[dragonmagician]

I just wanted to say your condition sounds similar to mine, although I am not sure if it is the same or not. Mine happens in both eyes, although it started only in my left eye. I see a circle of light that moves up or down in my peripheral vision.

Anyways, let me know if you find out anything. I'm still waiting to see a neurologist.

[lisa3333]

That happens to me to - has been for two years - went to so many eye doctors - and one finally told me she thinks they are ocular migranes (migraines) - because my vision is perfect - I am seeing nurologist next week - but so far everything is normal!

[Sunflowerbc]

Hi there! I have started having the same thing the last few weeks and now it's getting more frequent. Should I even bother going to the Dr? My mother & a few people have said it could be very high blood pressure so I'm checking it today. I've always had the strange coloured blurry stuff in my peripheral just before a migraine hits and am used to those but these white lights are different and scaring me. Anything new with you?
Shawna

[MarkDC]

I just this week started to see what you have posted. but I have noticed I can close my eyes or just be in a dark place and turn my head side to side fairly quickly and cause the white laser type light to flash, encircling the peripheral area or just move my eyes side to side with my eyes open to stimulate the light.  Is this the case with you also?  I never have headaches or high blood pressure.   I noticed you posted May 12 2009 which has been sometime back, have you gotten any information of what this might be?  I wonder if anyone reads this that has any knowledge on it?

[SandyMV]

I have had Ocular Migraines since 1991. I also have Graves Thyroid Eye Disease. I have had the kaleidoscope in the Peripheral vision since 91. My eye doctor was the only person who figured it out back then. . .It seemed to be dormant for a very long time then about 6 months ago if flared up again and  this time along with it, were the streaking white lights. Like you, just a quick glance to the side can make that streaking light appear. Sometimes it there and sometimes it isn't. I do not know if age plays a role or not. I am 68 but this first started when I was about 59.

[CharlesFilius]

I am having the identical symptoms. Anyone have any answers?

[jlg12]

I am having the same symptoms as you and it started suddenly.  Have you found out anything yet?

[NY2CA]

This was copied from perret-optic.com and may explain it (I get them also).

The vitreous is a gel-like fluid which fills most of the eye. As people age, this vitreous becomes more and more liquefied. The vitreous has loose attachments to the retina, and more firm attachments to the optic nerve. At some point in a person's life, the vitreous liquefies enough to shift position in the eye. When this occurs, usually between age 50 and 70, the back edge of the vitreous will pull forward away from the retina, leading to a "vitreous detachment". This is generally a normal process, although it may happen abnormally early in cases of high nearsightedness or trauma. As the vitreous detaches, it tugs on the retina.*** This is perceived as a flash of light, similar to a lightning flash in the corner of the vision.*** It may occur especially with eye movement, since the vitreous moves in the eye. Debris pulled off of the optic nerve and retina are then seen as floaters, suspended in the vitreous above the retina. Sometimes this is described as a cobweb, a net, a string, or a fly over the vision.


These symptoms usually resolve over a period of days to weeks, although some people will continue to see the floaters for a longer period of time. The important thing is to determine that the retina is healthy as the vitreous detaches. This requires a careful dilated examination of the retina to look for tears, or other areas which may be at risk for tearing. A retinal tear can then lead to retinal detachment, if not treated. Thus, people experiencing these symptoms should be examined by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. (Note, only about 1 in 10,000 cases of vitreous detachment lead to retinal detachment, but it still is one of the most common causes of retinal detachment.)

[Merianthe]

glad to hear this is a common problem, I'm 60 and have been experiencing the flashing light in my left eye for several months.  I do have high blood pressure and I was worried it was related to stroke.  I do not have any health insurance and can't afford expensive tests, but I think I can afford an eye exam to verify the problem.

[emilylime222]

I just got back from the eye doctor for the exact same problem. The C did not move for me. When I moved my eye. the C stayed in the same place. It was diagnosed as an ocular migraine. I experienced nausea the day after and light and sound sensitivity.

[babit18]

hi there! I was experiencing occasional occurrence of spots bright balls falling on my left peripheral vision. I'm 25 years old/ female. This concerns me too much since it was only occasional before but i noticed recently they appear almost every hour. Still, I haven't consulted an eye specialist because of my busy schedule. I am hoping someone could tell me what exactly am I experiencing? thank you.  

[BrianGall]

Thanks NY2CA.

The flashes started tonite (7-17-12) and occur in my peripheral when I move my head side to side.

I'll see if it goes away this week, and may need to get it checked to see if retinal detachment is occurring.

Regards,

Brian

[melanieannlewis]

My daughter is ten years old she has been seeing a white light streak in both eyes several times a day for three days i thought at first it was a detached retina but the odds of having one in both eyes r not good just wonder if anyone has any thoughts on this she has a doctors appt. next week

[foxxy707]

you all have been helpful. I got hit in the left eye about a couple of weeks ago and ever since then have been seeing this ball of light "float" from the bottom corner of my left eye to the top corner of my left eye (which is why im on here). Its actually quite aggravating! it happens from seconds to minutes.thought it would go away on its own, but i definately will be seeing a doctor or opthalmologist now! i hope its not vitreous or retina detachment. i still can see perfect.

[hjoj]

Thank you so very much for this information, I too have just started this, at first I thought it was the florescent lights at work.  I did go into my eye doctor and was confirmed to have great vision, she thought it may be a corroded artery, since I have hypertension.  So I then proceeded to see my health doctor and went in for an ultrasound.  Everything was great there too.  I am going to share this information with both doctors because they acted as if they have never ever heard of this before.  I don't have migraines, so I ruled that out myself.  I did notice though, when I put moisture in the form of liquid tears into my eyes it seems to help the symptom.

[simple_don]

I am 59, and have been seeing these flashes for 2 days now.  I know I was seriously dehydrated two days ago.  My blood pressure is normally in the low-ideal range and I have enjoyed terrific health and mobility.  I have taken care of elderly folks since I was 14 and in those 45 years, none of them mentioned this occurring to them.  

I am wondering how many of us are right-handed and press our cell phones hard against our left ears.

[Kay_dee_14]

I've had my vision and blood pressure checked, finally after 2 years and two trips to ER, migraines are my issue, just happy to know what it is. Also glad that there's no pain involved.

[Naomi460]

I had the same symptoms. In both eyes, mostly at night, sometimes first thing in the morning. A half circle of light at the outside edge of both eyes. I can reproduce this by pressing the inner corners of my eyes, that makes the circles of light appear. Weird. Thorough eye exam diagnosis was posterior vitreous detachment, as described above. Nothing needs to be done. Recheck in one year.

[jenlv79]

I had started having the same problem with the C light show in both eyes. It moves with my eyes when they move. At this time my doctor is checking me for pituitary gland tumor. She said that it is possible that the tumor could be pressing on my optic nerve. She has done blood work and I should get the results back this week. They are then going to do an MRI if the blood works points to me having the tumor.

[insurancelady66]

This morning, all of a sudden, I started seeing a backwards C that consisted of flashing lights that were in the form of tiny little squares like the "bytes" on our tv when our satellite is not connecting property.  When it started, it blocked the center of what I was reading, then the backwards C started moving to the right, the arc of the C started to get larger but less clear and after about 20 minutes, it disappeared all together.  I could see it with my eyes closed and I could see it when I covered one eye and then the other.
On a few occasions over the past year or so, I thought I was seeing a flash of light in my lower left peripheral vision but it happens so fast, when it happens I would wonder....did that really happen?  It doesn't sound like something that should be worrisome but I plan to call my eye Dr. today just  to be cautious.

[milt22588]

Mines as if someone has been taking pictures or like a beam almost occurs inside and outside during the middle of the day during work. Not sure what this is...

[ryder_mcgee]

I've been experiencing this for the past 6 months or so. I am only 19 years old however. Some times it seems as if I can see some white particles building up in the bottom of my peripheral vision when I close my eyes or enter very dark rooms, and it just lingers down there until it swoops around to the side of my peripheral vision in a C-motion. I also  get these flashes with my eyes open.

Does anyone happen to have any symptoms with their ears? Sometimes the outer rim of my left ear canal begins to itch really badly, it becomes extremely agitated, it starts to feel a bit hot. This seems to happen right before my white flashes begins to flare up in my vision.

[Obie82]

I've been experiencing two grey dots on the side of my vision. It started a week ago. I only see it when I move my eye horizontly and when there is white walls or light. When I'm in the dark, I see a white flash when I move my eyes up. Only in my left eye tho. Any suggestions why?

[Obie82]

The white flash is only at the bottom of my left eye. My right eye seems to be fine.

[mumt521]

I have been having these flashing lights on and off for years, it is almost pretty if it were not so scary. Sometimes there is pain sometimes not, sometimes nausea but not always. I am fairly certain what it is for me and reading your comments above I think some of you may have the same issue. I have a lot of back and neck issues and if I try to stretch my neck, relax my shoulders and slide my head from side to side slowly and hold the stretch, and do the same back and front, I can feel the tension behind my eye ease and the slight whistley whine(anyone else hear a whistle whine) start to lessen. As I started to write this I could not see very well, the light was quite intrusive, now after stretching it is almost gone.
Check your posture, see if there is any pressure on your spine or neck, rotate your head . I hope it helps you as it does me 8-)

[Obie82]

Thank you mumt521. I don't see the flashes constantly, only when I move my eyes quickly and look up. The same for those grey shadow. I only see them when I move my eyes quickly up and down or horizontal. No pain. I did see grey dots a few weeks before and then they were gone. All I see now is a few grey dots here and there. I got very depressed for a few days thinking the worse. I've been thru some other health issues that have been resolved but it's always scary when something new comes up and I have no idea what it is. I'll be 50 soon. I still want to go get it checked just to make sure.

[Obie82]

Forgot to mention, the flash is in the shape of the half of a new moon. My vision is fine and not blurry.

[PeacePuppy]

I see the strobe light-ish Image in my peripheral vision but I am only 12? Is it ok that it's THAT abnormally early?

[wabbit92]

I am 62.  tripped on a piece of equipment and knocked my head pretty hard, on the left side.  a day later and since, i have been seeing a white ball of light in my left eye that floats from the bottom left corner of my left eye upwards. sometimes it flashes blue. I see it every 10 to 15 min.  I have seen an opthomologist.  He says he never heard of such thing.  after being dilated, and checked for a very long time, he could find no abnormality at all.  I was afraid of retinal detachment, but there was no evidence of this.   if anyone can tell me what this is... I'd be very grateful.  it is annoying and a curiosity.

[Obie82]

I don't know if you are too young to have that but do get it checked out.

[Obie82]

It took me a whole month to finally see my eye doctor. I was very nervous not knowing what I had. The doctor told me that I don't have a retinal detachment nor any tears. A great sigh of relief. She told me that the streak of lightning I see when I look up and the two grey spots I see when I move my eyes down are part of getting older. One thing I was very happy was that my eyes didn't have to get dilated. Patients have the option of taking a picture of their eye. I had to pay extra but I preffered that rather than getting my eyes dialted.

[Obie82]

I wouldn't know what it is but I have learned in the past that one doctor may not know and another does. Try seeing an Optomotrist. Hope you find out why and hopefully it'll go away.

[cl1546]

this is happening to me today, you described it perfectly. Did you ever find out what it was?

[fordaisy]

I did a search on the internet & saw this thread. I am a 57 yr old female having problems with the balls of light going up the side of my eyes also. Benn to the opthamologist and had a dialated eye exam. He said my retina looked healthy. I asked him about the light at the side of my eyes and he said my virtueos is soupy and tugging on the retina.
I see these balls of light in both eyes (left is worse) off and on all day, mostly when I am in a dark room.I hope it is just old age because it is causing me extreme anxiety. Does it ever calm down and go away? I won't even have health Ins. to fix it in case of a tear until Obamacare kicks in Jan 2014. How do you all deal with the stress?

[Obie82]

The doctor told me my virtueos is becoming liquified/soft and that's it part of getting older and that I started early at 49. She said it's harmless and that the spots I was seeing and the lightning or flash of light at the bottom of my eye is from the pulling of the retina. She said it will never go away but that my brain will get used to having those there and that eventually, I won't notice them. I did read on the internet that when this happens, spots and flashes go away in around 6 weeks. Mine went away or barely noticeable in 4 1/2 weeks.

[Obie82]

When I first noticed my problem, I got depressed but not to the point of going to the doctor. I did some crying and everything looked gray for a whole month.  I dealt with it by distracting myself by doing things I love to do. I only saw spots and flashes when I moved my eyes and in light areas. When I was in my family room with darker colors, it was like I had nothing and at times I thought it was gone. Maybe yours will go away after a few weeks. Try not to think about it, that's another thing I did. Getting older affects us not only in our bodies but in our eyes too.

[fordaisy]

Thanks for your advice Obie. I try not to think about it and I see it less. Taking my dog for a walk takes my mind of things.

[Obie82]

Glad to hear =)

[geraldinegreen409]

I  have had the bubble like kaleidoscope thing going on ONLY  in bright light in my peripheral vision..I have seen a eye doctor and a neurologist had a MRI no one seems to know what is going on..
The Neurologist seems to think it some thing to do with Ocular Migraine. I have had this probably 6moths now...
At least I know I have not had a stroke and no tumours...

[Frankb43]

I also have these white almost chicklet shaped floaters that will move up and down and across the edge of my vision. Neither  my retina or my glaucoma specialist  has any idea of what it is . It will usually only travel at at a slow speed and last only seconds. These are not floaters, of which I have many nor tears, of which I have had a few. I am also diagnosed with deteriorated retina, macular pucker, and cist on the retina, none of which are known to cause these "chicklet s" as I describe them. Does anybody know?

[kariek567]

THANK YOU!! This periodically happens to me in my right eye (always my right eye) and it drives me nuts for hours. I got up, stretched and rolled my head around and it went away instantly! Maybe it time to go to a chiropractor lol.