sinus connection to blinking spot in my vision?

[newportmom]

I am a 34 year old female.  This past spring I noticed that a few times a day I would see a pulsing or blinking transparent spot just to the right of my direct vision in my right eye.  It seems to pulse with my heartbeat. I do get migraines with aura and the blinking spot looks similar but not exactly the same.  I see the spot for just a few seconds and then it goes away.  I notice that I see this when my sinuses are inflamed along with pressure added by sneezing, or if I am taking a hot bath and then stand up, or if I go out into the bright sunshine.  I do have sensitive eyes and bright light does bother me. When my sinuses are not inflamed then I do not see this spot no matter what the activity is that I am doing.

I have been trying to treat my sinuses with nasal steroids.  So far these have not helped.  I am starting to suspect a food allergy as the trigger.  I have had days when my sinuses are not stuffy and I do not see this spot on those days. Also, I blew my nose too hard one night and my nose started to bleed.  When I blew my nose (while it was bleeding) the spot got huge and  shot across my entire vision.  

I spoke to my MD about this and he said that it was just pressure on my eye from my swollen sinuses.  I then saw an ENT who prescribed the steroids.  He didn't seem concerned about the spot and also said it could be related to my sinuses.  I am a huge worrier and I'm not sure if there is more for me to be concerned about?  I should also mention that I do not feel pain with this spot.  Thank you for your insight!

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear newportmom,

I would recommend that you seek the care of a neuro-ophthalmologist to determine whether the symptoms are of concern.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

From what you described, the one thing that comes to mind is a vitreous floater.  They are quite common and look like a little dark or cloudy spot that moves around in your vision but only is seen in certain situations, certain lighting conditions and certain background conditions.  It can be a bothersome symptom and it comes and goes.  Floaters can sometimes be a sign of degeneration of the vitreous gel, a detachment of the vitreous gel, detachment of the retina, and or bleeding from the retina into the vitreous. It can be just a normal part of aging (most commonly) or a sign of a serious retinal condition, so you really need to see an ophthalmologist to make sure your eyes are healthy.

MJK MD