Flashes

[agileyes]

I recently started seeing flashes of light at the bottom of my vision when I move my eyes up quickly.  I don't see it in dark rooms and only see it in certain lighted areas.  It's like a long concave line across the bottom of my vision.  My Optometrist diagnosed it as a Phosphene after doing lots of tests and finding nothing wrong.  I'm not sure if I should accept that answer or go have an Opthamologist check my eyes.  I am 60 years old and healthy and take no medications other than for thyroid and an occasional NSAID.  I would appreciate any insight you might have into these flashes.

[CosmicHorizon]

Hi agileyes, after 9 years I guess you won't see this, but did you ever find out what was causing your condition?  

It seems I have something very similar, eg lights seen with movement of one of my eyes, but only when fairly light.  

[JohnHaganMD]

Post is 8 years old

[Candace888]

Four months ago, I had flashes of light in my vision and increased floaters.  I went to my optometrist who I completely trusted and he diagnosed me with a vitreous detachment and said everything was fine.  I went back several days later with increased symptoms and he thought I had a tiny tear in my retina.  He sent me to a Opthamologist - Retinal Specialist and I had a massive detachment and was rushed into surgery within hours at the hospital to save my vision.  I had very complicated surgery and it has been a very long road to recovery that I am still on.  I think you need to see an Opthamologist and not take any chances.  If you catch a problem early it is a lot simpler to fix, trust me.  

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I would see an ophthalmologist.  This is probably vitreous traction on the retina.

Dr. O.