Sudden onset floaters and flashing lights

Posted , 7 users are following.

Can anyone tell me how many flashing lights you have to see before hurrying to the eye hospital?

Or maybe for how long an episode of them lasts?

If I had a retinal detachment on the way, should I be worrying about the massive amount of new floaters and flashing lights, right eye only?

1 like, 41 replies

41 Replies

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  • Posted

    What did the dr tell you?

    I was told to go down to the eye hospital casualty department IMMEDIATELY .The number of times or length they last is important but it does not affect what I was told to do in other words the advice is the same.

    The answer is the same irespective of the number or duration of the flashing lights.floaters.

    You need to go NOW actually. If you are reluctant to go then and as you have asked for specific advice I have to reiterate the importance of getting your eyesight and eyes checked out as a matter of urgency.

    Number of flashing lights. ONE.

    The answer to your last question is a definite YES. YES you should treat these signs and symptomw very seriouslyindeed. You should go 'hurrying' to the eye hospital NOW bearing in mind what you are writing and reading between the lines.

    No one wishes to alarm another but sometimes it is unavoidable and the eye hospital will only tell you the same thing anyway. So the answrs to your uestions are as follows.

    1. Eyes are precious.

    2. Flashing lights no matter how few even just ONE should never ever be ignored and need an immediate assessment which can only be done by an exaination of the eye /back of the eye.

    3. FLOATERS.

    These should not be ignored/ They should also pose the question as to why they are happening.

    • Posted

      Thanks for that - I've just got back. PVD as you suspected.

  • Posted

    Do not play any games of should i go for an exam when it comes to your eyes. I have eye ailments its not a game and very scary!  Get an opthamologist to examine you. Who cares what is considered normal by others or not. Its an exam like any other. Eyes do not grow back. You go and get an opthamologist and go for the exam. Let them tell you whats normal. No one on here knows you or can examine you thru the  internet.
    • Posted

      I've just got back from the opthalmologist. He said it was a vitreous detatchment. He also said if I got flashing lights again to go straight to the eye hospital ER. So that is sorted. Thanks for replying.

    • Posted

      ok good i am not sure what a vitreous is but please be safe and go as soon as you can if the lights come back.
  • Posted

    Listen i would not wait any longer.  You need to get in to see a doctor.

    a specialist if possible, don't fool with your eyes.  my husband had a detached retina

    and it was not fun.  if you do if that is the case you could lose your eye go today

    • Posted

      I agree. Also being under stress is unhelpful. 

       

  • Posted

    What did you find out?
    • Posted

      Hi Lee. I did go straight in, and had another thorough examination and they said it was just loads of mini-floaters, but there was no tear. Told me to come back right away if anything else happens. xx love Tess

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