What Causes Intermittent Flashes Of Light In The Peripheral Vision Area?

Posted on Mon, 13 Mar 2017

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

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 Answered on

Tue, 4 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Last night, I had a sudden and extreme light flashing in the right side of my right eye vision. It was a very specific pattern and color which more or less matched the shape and color of the television screen after I passed by the screen. It was very intense and lasted about 15 minutes before it subsided. I have not had any other issues but that side of my face has had a slight twitch in the area of my cheek bone this morning. It felt as though I had been shocked by an extreme light sort of like a weld flash but there really was no extreme light. This is not a potential symptom of a minor stroke is it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could indicate eye stroke.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns

That light flashing in a part of your vision field, does not relate to stroke in general terms ( brain stroke ), but may be linked to mini-stroke affecting your eye, or optic nerve.

So, medical evaluation is necessary to understand better your condition.

It is necessary as a first step to get evaluated by an Ophthalmologist.

hope you found the answer helpful.

Kind regards.

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