What was I seeing? Did I rub my eye too hard? I didn’t recall doing that, but as the sensation continued, I found myself becoming concerned. My vision is somewhat crucial to my well-being after all.
This jagged shimmering continued for some time. Even while it was happening, I began to consult Dr Google.
Seeing a shimmering or flashing light in your eye can be due to a few reasons, with some being harmless and others requiring prompt medical attention. It's often a result of the vitreous gel inside your eye pulling on the retina, which can cause these visual disturbances. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious condition like a retinal tear, especially if the flashes are sudden and accompanied by other symptoms.The shimmering stopped after 15 minutes or so, maybe even less, but in my anxiety, I wasn’t timing it. So, I will take it to have been the harmless type resulting from a pulling of the vitreous fluid.
Both Sue and I experienced something related many years ago, and we each had our condition checked out at the time. Back then, it was more like sudden flashes, almost like lightning bolts. For both of us the diagnosis involved a shifting of the vitreous fluid. Although Saturday's experience was different — a sustained flashing curtain rather than a sudden bolt — I am choosing to believe in and take solace in the probability that it was a harmless occurrence.
It was very alarming at the time, but Dr Google was there to reassure me. Good ole Dr Google.
It sounds like a ocular migraine. They're usually both eyes, last up to 20 minutes. If it was one eye, see an eye doctor asap. I get the migraines usually from too much screen time or stress.
ReplyDeleteAnything different with one's eyes is a bit concerning. Are you going to follow up with a qualified Dr.?
ReplyDeleteThe internet does give us information, based on what we put in (GIGO or something like that.) I agree that it could be like I have, ocular migraines if in both eyes. But also I'd hope you get an opinion from a Dr. of eyes as well as the internet.
ReplyDeleteI am learning about eyeball anatomy this morning, something I hadn't expected.
ReplyDeleteLosing one's vision would be devastating. My grandfather had horrible hearing due to damage suffered as a young adult. Then in his older years, he suffered from a form of macular degeneration that robbed him of his ability to watch television or read books though he could see well enough to get around. But as he body started not allowing to do that last one thing, he lost his will to live and just gave up. I understood but still it was a bit hard to see him go like that. Give me a good old massive heart attack any day over gradually losing vision and hearing.
I would see if you can schedule an appointment just for safety, but definitely if it happens again. The ocular migraine idea and vitreous humor idea are both very valid, but to is the retinal tear. A second occurrence, especially relatively soon would be more worrisome. But if acted upon, retinal tears can (if caught quickly) can be corrected with laser “surgery” that “spot welds” the retina back into position. The risk of a retinal tear is that the retina does not have its own, DIRECT blood supply and relays on the choroid layer for needed oxygen. A tear that has the retina away from oxygen too long causes those cells to starve for oxygen.
ReplyDeleteSo, even though things seem safe right now, if I were you, I would try to see the eye doctor for safety.
PipeTobacco
I too hope you follow up with a real doctor. It's concerning when anything happens with our sight, I know all about it.
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, have your eyes checked, just in case Dr Google has misled you.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just Love Dr. Google? It has eased many an Anxiety for me, but also caused some too. *Smiles* I'd get it checked out as an added precaution tho', Seeing is very important after all.
ReplyDeleteI rarely trust that Dr. I hope you get your eyes checked by a real Dr, AC.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be taking to Dr Google a lot these days.
ReplyDeleteI have experienced something similar a couple of times and also discovered that it was probably harmless. Best wishes to you. AC aloha
ReplyDeleteI appreciate being able to look things up via google - even if it can be alarming. I've always had flashes in my vision - I'm told since it's always done that not to worry.
ReplyDeleteI have had uveitis on a few occasions and I think it is always a good idea to get checked by an ophthalmologist because our eyes are so important.
ReplyDeleteDitto suggestions to check with an eye doc that went to medical school and residency in the specialty. Linda in Kansas
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