Visual Disturbances

[Jandaya]

Every now and then I get an acute visual disturbance which lasts for about 15 or 20 minutes at a time and consists of seeing bright rainbow coloured zig-zag patterns in my peripheral vision. Even if it appears to be affecting just one eye I can still see it with the other when I close the affected eye - and see the bright reflection on my eyelid even with both eyes closed. I do not have any other symptoms, e.g. accompanying headache, dizziness or nausea, but it is unsettling whilst it lasts and it doesn't seem to last as long if I can sit with my eyes closed.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi! Generally flashes, streaks of lights (colored or otherwise) and star bursts are due to floating vitreous and less commonly due to aura of migraine and or retinal detachment (this must have been ruled out by retina specialists). Nothing can usually be done for this (floating vitreous) and patient has to learn to live with it.  A migraine type called retinal migraine comes with these flashes only in absence of any noticeable headache. You could be having this. Discuss with a migraine specialist and an eye specialist. Hope this helps. Take care!

[ku111]

You need to see opthalmologist and see what is going on.

[puppiov]

Hi, Jandaya.

It sounds like you may be experiencing optical illusions. There can be a few causes associated with this, it could be just from going outside and looking up at the sun.   Try thinking about when this is occurring, like what were you doing before or when it initially occurred - did a chemical get in your eye, etc.  Please visit an optometrist. The optometrist should be able to check your eyes and let you know what the problem is.  Good luck and I hope you feel better!