[sugahorse1]

I sometimes have this problem and am wondering if someone has any idea what it is.

Like little light patches that move infront of my eyes - maybe 50 or so at a time. And as I move my eyes, the patches move. It lasts for about a minute or so

I'm only on 100mg Lamotrigrine, and Klonopin as needed. Is this a blood pressure thing? Could my depressive state have something to do with it? Or is it a form of hallucination? I just go with the flow at the moment, but really would prefer to know what this is.

[madisgram]

no i don't think it's anything to worry about. they are called floaters. many of us have them. i think that's what they are tho i not be a doc, suga.

[splitimage]

I'd get your eyes checked - that can be a symptom of retinal detachment.

--splitimage

[ECHOES]

Flashes in the eye need to be evaluated. I just went through retina issues that started with lightning like flashes in my line of vision; then they were there at odd times - once I laid in bed thinking I left a light on but it was in my eye.

Normal aging processes can cause flashes and floaters or it can be more. As the vitreous detaches from the retina, it can cause these symptoms. However, you may be at risk of detachment or tear. I was watched for 6 weeks for detachment and luckily that didn't happen. But 4 months later, I had a retinal tear that had to be treated immediately, because it can produce permanent loss of vision.

It is a really good and healthy idea to have your eyes examined, as splitimage suggested.

[sugahorse1]

Thanks guys
Due for my annual check. Generally, I'm quite blind - short-sighted - and wear contacts.
I understand eye issues are a big thing to worry about, but I was also worried about possible blood pressure issues, or reaction to meds

[sugahorse1]

Oh, and I'm only 25, so for this to be due to "aging" - could seem a bit harsh

[OneMinute]

Are you legally blind and using an audio narrator to browse psych central?

I was under the impression that ophthalmologists would want to see you immediately if you ever mention flashing lights. (Speaking from experience as a 23 year old that doesn't have aging issues either.) I know its been a day already- just call and explain what you saw, floaters, stars, flashing lights, whatever. The receptionist should tell you if they believe its an emergency and whether they can see you right now or refer you to another office.

Not the sort of thing you want to wait around without calling.

[sugahorse1]

Oneminute - no, not BLIND, lol - I just have shocking vision. -6.5 and -5.5
I guess those are the "floaters then that I see, lasting about a minute or so. The background gets a bit darker, and these little light spots float around in front of my vision.
I haven't been told by my optometrist to worry about these things, but I've discussed this issue with him either

[ECHOES]

Please see and ophthalmologist for medical issues, not an optometrist (who is for routine vision evaluations for corrective lenses).

Vision is just so important, irreplacable, and not something to be casual about.

[sugahorse1]

I've never heard of an ophthalmologist...?

[sarek]

Whatever the exact name, what is meant is an official medically qualified eye doctor. And I am adding my advice to that of the others. You should have it checked out and do not wait.

[sugahorse1]

Thanks - just did some research and discovered we have some of these in our area. I think my boyfriend may have actually gone to one, following a blunt trauma to the head, wherby he nearly lost his sight. I was supposed to go to this "specialist" he went to, in order to check if he could do the lazer surgery on my eyes. Will follow up shortly - thanks so much for your input

[OneMinute]

oh geez I'm so sorry if I confused you. But yeah - your boyfriend's specialist sounds exactly like the type of person to speak with. Please let us know how things turn out.

[trixielou]

i dont see stars but sometimes i see purple tracers if my anxiety level goes up or i noticed i was takin a really hot shower one day & saw them. too much caffeine always makes me see the purple tracers more like a shooting star show

[sugahorse1]

@Trixie - It really became noticable to me while I was having a shower too...?

[yellowted]

opthamologist is an eye doctor! a bit higher trained than an optician though some optricians are trained opthamologists. the little patches of light you refer to could be due to blood pressure, when you stand up too quickly your blood pressure changes resulting in a lack or increase (im not sure which)in oxygen to the brain, your body automatically adjusts this back to normal but in the time it takes to do so you can get 'stars' floating around in your vision. of course they could also be eye relayed but either way i would still suggest a trip to your doctors. he should be able to take your bp and also arrange for you to see an opthamologist.
good luck x

[trixielou]

i saw the tracers again in the shower today. guess maybe its where i turn the overhead heat on & the water is hot

[trixielou]

i know hubby turned hot water tank down cuz i used to didnt have to turn the knob as far to get it as hot as it like guess be4 winters over we will have it out over thermostat on the wall & the knob on the hot water tank

[sugahorse1]

I'll get it check in the new year. I do think it's blood pressure related - I have issues with my blood pressure going from too high, to too low...?!?

[Moose72]

You're seeing stars? If your blood pressure changes quickly this can happen. Used to happen to me doing somersaults.

[yellowted]

i am asthmatic which causes me to cough a lot, i often see stars if i cough hard or my asthma is really bad, doc says its due to the sudden lack of oxygen in my system! a few deep breaths soon puts me right again!

[SweetSymphony]

Originally Posted by sugahorse

I sometimes have this problem and am wondering if someone has any idea what it is.

Like little light patches that move infront of my eyes - maybe 50 or so at a time. And as I move my eyes, the patches move. It lasts for about a minute or so

I'm only on 100mg Lamotrigrine, and Klonopin as needed. Is this a blood pressure thing? Could my depressive state have something to do with it? Or is it a form of hallucination? I just go with the flow at the moment, but really would prefer to know what this is.

this kind of thing happens to me too! except with me, it doesnt just last a minute, its constantly, like a screen of colorful doodle and speckles made of led lights on a mesh screen taped to my eyelashes 24/7. and on top of that lately ive been feeling awfully dizzy, not just spinning in circles dizzy but wooaahhh i think my head just fell off and rolled across the floor dizzy. it comes and goes in little flashes, the school nurse suggusted it was low blood sugar, but ive been eating plenty enough and eating extra doesnt seem to help any. its starting to get serious enough that im thinking of going to the doctor, does anyone have experience with this?

[sugahorse1]

Well, mine used to only really happen in the shower. Now I notice it happening even while I'm sitting at work, and I can also relate to it happening while I have a really strong cough.
But I'm living with it so far