You have been experiencing flashes on the side of your eye for several months. Your vision is good, and you have no other complaints. What could this be, and should you have your eyes examined?
The cause depends on several factors:
- Age: Are you over 40-50 years old?
- Vision strength: Do you have a prescription below -3.00 or -6.00?
- General eye history: Have you had previous eye problems?
- Symptoms: Do the flashes look like a camera flash? Or are they more like shimmering lights?
Possible Diagnoses
- Vitreous detachment: This is common in people over 40-50 years old with a negative prescription. The vitreous detaches from the retina, which can cause flashes. This is usually harmless, but it is always wise to have your eyes checked by an optometrist.
- Ocular migraine: This can be accompanied by headaches, nausea, and vomiting. You see flashes and/or a kaleidoscope effect with lights or zigzag lines.
- Dysphotopsia: This can occur after cataract surgery. You see flickering lights that decrease over time.
- Retinal detachment: This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. You suddenly see blinding flashes and/or more than 10 black spots in your field of vision.
Advice
Advice- Always have your eyes checked by an optometrist, regardless of the cause of the flashes.
- Consult your GP if you have ocular migraines with aura and are not familiar with migraine headaches.
- Consult your GP as soon as possible if you experience sudden blinding flashes or suddenly see more than 10 black spots, like black snow, in your field of vision.
Conclusion:
Flashes on the side of the eye can have various causes. In most cases, they are harmless, but it is always wise to have your eyes checked.
At Zeker Zicht Optometry practice, we can map every part of the eye. If your eye complaints need to be treated by an ophthalmologist, you will be referred immediately without long waiting times. Make your appointment today for a preventive eye examination and give your eyes the care they deserve.