78 Year Old, Caucasian, Male With A Mild Vision Correction.

Posted on Wed, 10 Oct 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : 78 year old, caucasian, male with a mild vision correction. Approximately 2-3 weeks ago I thought I saw a tiny black spec, as if it was a XXXXXXX but was a vision abnormality. It was intermittent and I have had similar occurrences a few times in the last 30 years. It went away; but about 3 -4 days ago I thought I had an eye lash (Mild irritant) so I used a plastic eye cup and tap water for a wash but to no avail. Yesterday, same Rt eye, had lost bottom 1/3 peripheral vision as in dark smokey area and top 2/3 s were out of focus. Tonight the smokey area is about 90%total out focus and blue green in color - -vision, not the eye. Several times, in partial darkness, I have noticed a narrow flash of light, no associated pain at any time. The only medication taken, is a return last week to a 50 MG Bupropion HCL , 1x/d . Body is fit ( recently scored 100% on US Army Fitness Test w/o age handicap, BP 120/ 60 (+-10).

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probably a retinal detachment, an eye exam is needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

There are several medical conditions that can cause your symptoms.

One of the diagnosis that should be excluded through examinations is retinal detachment. It happens when the retina pulls away from the tissue around it.

Retinal detachment causes flash of the light and also shadows or smoky vision.

An eye exam is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and should be done as soon as possible.

So, I would strongly recommend a visit to an ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis and take proper treatment.

The eye exam should be done as soon as possible to prevent further damages of the eye and vision loss.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj