"Flashing" in eye

[A&A]

So I get a weird "flashing" in the outside corner of my right eye at fairly predictable times.

I have to close my eyes FIRST before I turn off a light or I see the flash.

If I don't have my glasses on and I'm under bright fluorescent lights, I see it a lot.

If I smile or otherwise crinkle my eyes, I see it.

I see it when I first wake up, even with my eyes closed.

I see it at random times, too, but definitely at those predictable times.

My eye doc doesn't know what it is. I might ask for a MRI if it keeps up (it has been happening since Dec.) I am at high risk for glaucoma, but eye doc doesn't think this is related to glaucoma.

I know this is a long-shot, but has anyone experienced anything similar?

[Truvie]

I had something similar sounding. My optometrist saw nothing unusual, but my opthamologist did. I had psuedotumor cerebri, caused in my case by stress and sudden weight gain. Resolved itself. My only symptom was flashing lights. Mine were especially noticeable when going from a dim to bright (or vice versa) enviroment.

I would get a second opinion, most especially if you saw an optometrist. I waited months before going in, and my vision remains unaffected. But you don't want to mess with your eyes!

[A&A]

Originally Posted by Truvie

I had something similar sounding. My optometrist saw nothing unusual, but my opthamologist did. I had psuedotumor cerebri, caused in my case by stress and sudden weight gain. Resolved itself. My only symptom was flashing lights. Mine were especially noticeable when going from a dim to bright (or vice versa) enviroment.

I would get a second opinion, most especially if you saw an optometrist. I waited months before going in, and my vision remains unaffected. But you don't want to mess with your eyes!

Thanks, I'll have to google that.

I saw my opthamologist twice about it, and I'm going back in April. He's working with me on my pre-glaucoma so I hesitate to start over with anyone else.

[sophiesgrandma]

I saw flashing in the corner of my vision and it turned out to be a retinal tear which needs immediate attention. Mine unfortunately went on to become a detached retina which needs surgery pretty quickly to prevent blindness. I would recommend you see a retina specialist as they have the skill and equipment to detect detachments. This is considered and emergency (if it is a tear or detachment)

[A&A]

Originally Posted by sophiesgrandma

I saw flashing in the corner of my vision and it turned out to be a retinal tear which needs immediate attention. Mine unfortunately went on to become a detached retina which needs surgery pretty quickly to prevent blindness. I would recommend you see a retina specialist as they have the skill and equipment to detect detachments. This is considered and emergency (if it is a tear or detachment)

Thanks. My opthamologist ruled out a retinal tear.

[Kimmiepie]

I had this...and the opthamologist never figured out what it was. I've also had several MRI's and all were normal. It eventually went away...after maybe a year or so?

[JessicaS]

I have had them due to certain medications or being tired.