What Causes Blurred Vision With Flashes Of Light In The Eyes?

Posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017

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

Thu, 1 Jun 2017 Answered on

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am experiencing a flashing in my left eye. It can be either black or white. Its come on gradually over a few weeks as I have noticed a turning to look because it seems like seeing something moving out of the corner of my eye. Yesterday it got suddenly worse as I noticed a black or white stripe shooting in my peripheral vision. Also my vitreous floaters have suddenly become more intrusive. Its not the same as a migraine issue, the flash maybe a few minutes apart. Staring at the mirror doesnt seem to let me see them but looking to the side makes them more noticable. Is this a normal ageing thing, I am 63, blood pressure is a bit of a problem, my working hours are 50 per week and I get tired during the week and wondering if it might be an overtired issue.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Macular degeneration most likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I've gone through your query dear.

Age related Macular degeneration causes loss in the centre of the field of vision.

Blurred vision and flashing is a key symptom. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight. Macular degeneration is mostly related to a combination of age and environmental factors. Over a period of time, tissue in your macula may become thin and break down causing complete loss of vision in the effected eye. Unfortunately Macular degeneration can't be cured.

However, further steps can be taken to help to slow its progression, such as taking vitamin supplements, eating healthy. Take a lot of anti oxidants.

Please get a retinoscopy done too.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee