closed-eye hallucinations, flashings

[Plal]

I've been experiencing closed-eye hallucinations for several years now. When I close my eyes, I see a black backdrop and complex colored patterns, faces, or things appear ...they tend to shape shift. I was told that I need a referral to visit the opthamologist, but the optometrist said my eyes look fine and had little to say about the hallucinations. She gave me eyelid wipes.

Every now and then, I also see very small flashes of light when my eyes are open. They don't obstruct my vision, they appear and quickly disappear..they are often white or light blue in color. I am sensitive to artificial light, my eyes are often dry, and my left lid seems to not work properly, it is usually wide open when I'm sleeping. It feels like one eye is asleep and one eye is wide awake.

Should I be alarmed?

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

You're welcome and best of luck.
JCH MD

[Plal]

Forgive me for my extremely late reply. I still wanted to take the time to extend my thanks to you. It is so dishearteningly difficult to get help. So far I have been able to get an appointment with an psychiatrist. My closed-eye hallucinations have stopped but I still see flashes of light from time to time. Hopefully I can get some answers and take preventative action if needed.

Many thanks and best wishes to you!
Pooja

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

Yes you should be concerned and it is neither appropriate not to refer you to an ophthalmologist or reassure you about a problem that is way over his level of training.

It would be most appropriate to see a neuro-ophthalmologist. If you live in the USA go to www.geteyesmart.org and find one near you. Most medical schools have one in the ophthalmology department.

You can google "Charles Bonet Syndrome" which is seeing imaginary people, landscapes, etc. It is usuallly, but not always, associated with poor vision. Certain forms of atypical epilepsy might cause this also (no convulsions required).

Do take action.

JCH MD