Flashing lights

[Sandra1968]

Hi and thank you for your time. I was wondering if its normal to see white flashes in the dark. I often see green or red dots in the dark and always thought it was just my eyes adjusting but the other night when i went to bed , turned off the lights something very weird happened to me , I seen white flashes that appeared to be lightening , I even said to my husband , what is that , is it lightening and he said "what are you talking about" my head felt numb and I broke into a sweat. I turned on the lights and nothing was there. It really scared me.
I am currently waiting to recieve an MRI and to have my blood work reports back , I have inner ear nerve damage to both ears with no given cause as of it ?
Does this sound like I have some kind of a brain tumor ? Sometimes 2 of my fingers go numb and I break in sweats alot and my head tingles. My Dr , read my sugar level and it was 6.9 and said that was fine. I am 38.
Any information or guidance would be muchly appreciated.
Thank you
Sandra

[Greco]

Five years ago I had Atrial Heart Valve replacement.  While recuperating I experienced a brown haze in my right eye that also appeared slight double vision.  It only lasts for a few seconds.  Since that time, I periodically experience this in my right eye along with sometimes equilibrium problems.  I have had my eyes examined for detached retina and so far everything is normal in that area.  I do have a niva on the retina that is being watched by a retina specialist.  When I experience these vision problems I worry that I might be having a stroke.  Any information you can render would be appreciated.
Thanks
Nick

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

You're welcome so much Sandra. Thanks for thanking.

JCH III MD

[Sandra1968]

Thank you JCH so much.

Sandra

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

Hello Sandra    Your problem does not sound like a brain tumor. Inner ear damage would not cause that type of problem. Eye generated flashes generally come from the jello like material (vitreous gel) tugging on the retina--often with movement of the head or eyes. Because the eyes are so much more sensitive in the dark (dark adaptation) it is much more likely these are seen at night and in the dark.

You should see a eye physician (ophthalmologist or Eye MD) to inspect your retina and be sure it's not detached, has holes, tears or weak spots.

There are many postings on this forum about this problem.

JCH III MD  Ophthalmologist