Spot in vision

[MattVA]

I have a spot in the vision of my left eye.  I think that it was caused by briefly staring at a the light from a flashlight.  It was a intense flourescent flashlight, I forget what kind of flashlight it is but it isn't your typical run of the mill flashlight.  This one is much brighter.  I'm pretty sure that's what caused it, but I'm just now noticing it 3 days later. How long until it goes away?  Will it eventually go away?  

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

Your description is not a typical floater. Having it checked is the smart thing to do.

JCH III MD

[MattVA]

I did some research and read about "floaters."  Do you think that it could be a floater?  I haven't seen it move exept when my eye moves with it and it's like a blurry, transparent but purplish/grey in color, and circle shaped.  In any case, I'm going to get it checked out just to be on the safe side.  Thanks for your help.

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

MattVA  It is not likely that this is due to staring at the flashlight. That would have shown up immediately after you did it and such an after-image fades over 5-10 minutes. There would need to be another explanation. There are a large number of things that can cause spots in the vision from migraine to blockages of the arteries and veins within the eye.

You need to see an eye physician (Ophthalmologist  = Eye MD) for a comprehensive medical eye examination. When you see the Eye MD's technician before you see the doctor ask the tech to do an Amsler grid test on both eyes.

I would make the appointment in the very near future.

JCH III MD Eye Physician & Surgeon