Flashing Light & Floaters

[paulnh52]

What other than retina problems could be the reason for flashing light & a few more floaters than usual. I had cataract surgery 30 years ago and mt left eye had a retina detachment which was permanent so therefore I only have sight in my right eye which incidentally is excellent. Just recently I have experienced constant flashing light with possibly an extra few floaters than usual.  I have had my checked twice this week at an eye hospital and after thorough examination,with eye dilated, the doctor told me that it's possibly a vitreous problem but nothing to worry about as the retina appears fine. I am due to go back in 2 weeks time but I have to say that all this worries me greatly as I only have sight in the one eye. Any ideas what this might be in view of what the eye doctor has already told me and will it go away?

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

Paul, greetings from the Colonies as we celebrate our Independence Day.

JCH MD

[paulnh52]

Many thanks for your comments which were spot on, as was confirmed by my eye consultant whom i saw last Friday
Warmest best wishes
From
[paul in London

[paulnh52]

Sincere thanks John, you were spot on
With warmest best wishes
Paul in London

[kjelltp]

I have those all the time.  I can only assume its vitreous traction.   Not much can be done about it and it seems to be permanent.   Big army of floaters as well that do not go away (many years now).

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

Lights that are very bright and last less than a second are almost always due to traction of vitreous on the retina. Other causes such as migraine, seizure disorders, eye vascular disease tend to last much longer.

I have had patients with vitreous traction that have had some flashing lights for over a year. The floaters may be their indefinitely.

JCH MD