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Discussing Eye Lightning

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bxdobs
bxdobs

There is a lot of noise on this topic which typically ends with "GO SEE AN EYE SPECIALIST" ... I have done that, seen my Doctor ... nothing found ... SO ... let me describe what I have experienced

Several years back, out of the blue, while reading a news paper, my vision was suddenly and totally obscured by a flashing white lightning image in what seemed to be both eyes ... the shape of this image didn't change and was there even with my eyes closed ... my wife took me to emergency ... while waiting in emergency for over an hour this "Phenomenon" just went away ... was sent for a retinal scan diabetes check along with blood work nothing was found ... this incident has re-occurred very rarely over the last 10 years but this past 6 months it has now re-occurred twice ... today after waking up and reading my emails was the 2nd time ... while it is still fresh in my mind here is what occurred today

  • a white jagged (lightning like) flashing (approx 30 Hz) image in the shape of a mirrored C almost an O came in to view moving from Right to Left predominantly on the Right but obscured both Left & Right Vision
  • still able to see peripherally to the Left in both eyes
  • image never changed in size or shape
  • the Center of the image was a spectrum of navy blue, grey, and black
  • image was visible with eyes open or closed
  • image obscures vision
  • image appeared to move with eye movement
  • image went away within half an hour
  • image disappeared slowly moving off to the Right

Being that when the image was there, it was still there when either eye was closed or when both eyes were closed, makes it difficult to determine if this is related to one eye, both eyes, or if it is perhaps a brain related issue

I did have a headache late last night ( border line migraine ) but other than that feeling fine after this episode

Questions:

if this were related to a torn retina wouldn't this be a constant issue?

considering my retinas were given a clean bill of health after the first incident and my last checkup 2 years ago, thinking I should be exploring other possible causes?

my doctor hasn't taken in person visits for over 15 months due to the pandemic so may be a while before I can get an in person consultation

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1 Reply

  • bxdobs
    bxdobs

    Posted

    Two more observations:

    1. The original incident and all but the last incident, the image was a diagonal top left to bottom right lightning bolt where as this last incident the image was circular
    2. The first incident, as stated, occurred while reading a news paper (White Paper with Black Print) ... this last incident occurred while reading a google search on my default browser (Firefox) ... Firefox recently updated its look and now has this annoying White Background with Black Print ... this combined with an old interlaced 60 Hz (30 Hz interlace) Display might possibly be what triggered this last incident. I find it a strain to try and read text Black on White ... I am going to look at the settings and see if I can force the browser to use my system settings
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