Flashes of light and swirling in peripheral vision of left eye
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi,
I am a 25 year old female and for the last 2 months I have had constant flashes of light and swirling in the peripheral vision of my left eye.
When my eye is shut or I am in a dimly lit environment I can see the flashes, but when it is bright I can only see swirling (like oil in water). When my eyes are shut I can also see the light. This is constant and has not stopped at all since it started.
It is not an occular or a regular migraine (the flashes and aura for these only last for up to an hour and have suffered with this in the past, it is a very different sensation) and I have been told by one doctor and an ophthalmologist it could be PVD but I have now had 3 eye exams and none have shown anything. In fact I have been told my eyes are perfect.
I have just recently had an MRI and am waiting results to make sure it’s nothing coming from my brain, but to me it does feel more like it’s coming from my actual eye. It does not seem how it does when you get flashes from standing up to quickly etc.
I really just want to know if anyone else has suffered with this and if you’ve had any answers?
0 likes, 3 replies
donna03753 danielle30600
Posted
Hi Danielle
Well, yes. I'm 35 and I first began getting this during my pregnancy, almost 2 years ago.
I've seen 3 different GP's, an opthamologist, 3 eye doctors, an optician and a neurologist. I've also spoken to a counsellor. I've had 4 dilated eye exams, optic nerve/disc testing, full visual field testing, various multiple blood testing over 2 years and a full brain MRI.
It gradually got worse till I was seeing swirls, sparks, colours, patches and this happens all day every day. It has now stabilised and isn't getting any worse, it's actually a little bit better.
My diagnosis was a cross over of migranous activity and functional neurological symptoms. All of which are not life threatening.
I've learned to live with it and it doesn't bother me anymore. I don't notice it so much either now I know it's nothing to really worry about.
I've been told the body does strange things and sometimes a diagnosis isn't as black and white as what you would expect.
Hopefully you'll get some answers soon, but it may just be how you are now. Try not to worry, it'll be ok. But you may not get a 100% straight answer as I think 'visual phenomenon' as the eye surgeon I saw described it, is just one of those things and is apparently really common.
I discovered that progesterone helps a lot. My neurologist said that further backs up it's 'migranous quality' and that although it's not typical of migraine, it does cross over the line into that box.
Good luck to you 🍀
danielle30600 donna03753
Posted
This actually started just a month after i gave birth so you’ve made me feel a lot better. It doesnt actually affect my vision at all, so I feel like I could live with it I just want to know it’s nothing to worry about!
donna03753 danielle30600
Posted
You're welcome!
Like you, my symptoms began during the late stage of my pregnancy and where incredibly suttle to begin. 6 weeks after the birth it became an obvious problem for me that I couldn't ignore.
I went through many worried days and nights fearing the worst and despite doctors telling me it's probably nothing serious, I didn't believe so. Once I had all the tests and everything came back entirely normal I then believed I really was going to be alright. It was a tough time!
I learned this is actually quite common and as I said before have just accepted that's how it is for me now and I really don't let it affect my life anymore. Since making that decision, the worries have gone.
If you've seen a doctor/opthamologist and they did exams and aren't worried then I really wouldn't be worried now. Looking into the back of an eye can show an enormous amount of information about someones health and neurology.
I believe you'll be just fine ?