This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Any one else have a flash of light in your eyes? Mine is my right eye, white narrow line from right corner up over my eye. Very quick and seems to come when I move my eye or head, not always though. First saw it at night after turning the lights out. Thought it was a reflextion of light from my glasses, took them off, made sure hair not in my eyes etc., closed my eyes and saw again. Than knew it was my eye. During the day not as obvious but still see. Saw my Optometrist yesterday and checked for detached retina, all OK. Could be some of the jelly stuff around my eye attached to retina and pulling to creat the flash. No way to tell unless it tears a hole in the retina. Do not want that to happen. He could not tell if part of my neurological problems and told me to call my Neuro. for a referal to specialist. Have done and he thinks it could be the pulling too but wants to make sure before seeing me for my 6 month check next week. Waiting for his call re the specialist. Just wanted to know if any of you have had a similar experience and if it could be neurological. Thanks, Linda

Pinda

I have the flashers and the floaters also. Send an email to the EyeDoc on this site. I would imagine he will tell you that it happens as we age;:cry: there is nothing you can do about either. Be aware to any dramatic change in the flashers - if that happens run to the optometrist.

Dealing with MS and age becomes quite a challenge sometimes - you do not know where "one begins and the other ends"

Sharon

Thanks Sharon. I took your advice and hopefully email EyeDoc. Will check tomorrow to see if it worked.

I agree, age does get in the way. Seems to be an easy way for Dr. to move us on when they do not know. My optometrist just smiled when I asked if this was another age related problem. He is around the same age, 59, think that helps. He did a thorough look and felt it should be looked at further to rule out any other problem. I'm thankful for that.
Linda

Months have passed - I hope this turned out to be nothing. I just know from experience that flashes can tell that your retina is involved, whether from a vitreal issue common with us older people or from retinal detachment.

New floaters and flashes especially are signs requiring a fast trip to the opthomalogist, or retinologist.

I've had three laser surgeries and am doing fine after two years.

Yes, time has passed. Have seen the eye specialist twice and another visit in May. I'm to see sooner if lots of floaters or things go black. Do have more floaters but not a lot. She did say alot. If more come will make an appointment. Seems to be age related, no sign of retina damage. Still flashing though Thanks for asking, Linda

An update re eye flashing and floaters. Did have more floaters and saw the eye specialist before my intended appointment for May. All looks OK and not to go back for a year unless something more happens. Eye flashing seems less but do still have. Had my 6 month check up with the Neuro today. Some changes but no BIG ones to say I do have MS or something other than central nervous system disorder. Has ordered an MRI, will be 3 years this June since last one. Will probably take till June to have one and he wants to see if changes. Did say should show changes if MS. We'll see Linda

Hi,

Hope your eye is ok...Flashing lights is one of the first signs of detached or torn retina...I've had both. I hope that you are dealing with a specialist, as I have had two docs other than retina specialists, not recognize a torn retina.

Best of luck.

Pam

Yes, I am seeing a specialist and she has been very thorough. I'm to go into the clinic if more problems, other wise in one year. Seems this is probably age related, I'm 59. My Neuro had a good look too. No sign of Neurological problems. Thanks for your post, Linda

Signs and Symptoms
All of the following symptoms may not occur in all cases; however, they are the most common problems associated with Optic Neuritis.

•Pain with eye movement (more the 90% of patients)
•Tender, sore eye

•Mild to servere decrease in central vision
•Dull, dim vision

•Reduced color perception
•Decreased peripheral vision

•Central blind spot
•Fever

•Headache
•Nausea

•Decreased vision following exercise, hot bath or shower

•Flashing light(s) (even with eyelid closed - eye with ON)
( activities that elevate body temperature)

I am 30yrs old and thought i could shed some light:) on this subject. I had a strok at 28yrs I do not want to alarm anyone however your docotr should loook for a PFO it is a heart condition and at birth the flap did not close allowing clots to travel through the chambers. one can get tested for this with a simple bubble test. closure is very easy as well and it may be something one will consider. cheers and i hope that I could help

I had flashes for a few months, especially when rolling over while in bed. I was told this was normal for a person in his late 40's or 50's when the eye ball is shrinking and pulling away from its socket wall. Nothing came of that. But as a very near sighted person, I was at high risk of detached retina and it happened - lots of flashes like there was someone taking pictures to one side of me. LOTS of floaters all of a sudden. Got laser work done to stick the retina back on. No loss of vision because it was just out of the field of view.