Why does my right eye see flickering, flashing light? Help! ?

Question

Today I was ready to go to bed around 2am. I closed the light in my room and then when I lay down on my bed my right eye started seeing flickering lights (this is the first time it ever happened!). When I closed my right eye, I think it still flickered or was beating (it just felt abnormal). That scared me that I opened the light and I closed my eyes and covered them with my hands for a few minutes and the flickering was gone afterwards. When I open the light, I don't see any flickering.

I'm scared. I looked up online and found that it is a symptom of a retina detachment and migraine. I don't think it's a migraine because I don't get a migraine after seeing the flashing lights. There is a possibility there is a tear in my retina. A retina detachment can lead to blindness and vision loss.

I don't know if it has anything to do with me sleeping too much because I have been sleeping in more hours than usual at home because I'm on vacation and have nothing better to do. Yesterday after I ate in the morning, I went back to sleep for a few hours. When I woke up I felt a little headache. Or maybe it's my diet--I don't really eat a proper diet so I think I'm not getting enough vitamins and minerals, etc.

Has anyone ever experienced this? I'm so frightened! This is the first time it has ever happened! I want to see a doctor right away but I don't have health insurance right now, but I'll try to get and see one. What should I do as of right now until I can get a hold of the doctor?

Answer 1

The symptoms you have narrated appears to be one that require prompt action. Have you a raised blood pressure? if yes, then you must monitor your pressure regularly and take your medication as required. On the other hand, you may need to check you intra-occular pressure to rule out glaucoma. All you have stated are no reason for retinal detachment, however, you urgently need to visit an ophthalmologist in a teaching hospital. Nature has made it that symptoms and signs appear before situations become serious. Nothing to fear but see the doctor NOW.

Answer 2

it's an eye migrane. i've had it twice now and it lasts for about 15 min  

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Until you see a doctor-

i would say don't do anything that would strain your eyes like reading in a dark/dimly lit room, and don't use the computer too much or tv.

Make sure there's a normal amount of light - not too bright and not too dark.

I know, because i used to read all the time while i was in bed but not have a lamp, and i would be on the computer or watching tv for most of the day, that's why i have to wear contact lenses now ( i got fed up of glasses)

Answer 5

My mom used to have this.  She had a weakness in the edge of her retina.  She went to the doc right away and he told her that it is your retinal fluid leaking out.  If it were a detatchment it would flood out like crazy and you would be blind in that eye - so he said.

Why not go to the opthomologist.  A real eye doc and have him take a look.  I know it is scary.  It is best to see what is up in there and either get medicine for it, get some other sort of help or be reassured that you are not going blind.

In the mean time try not to put your fingers on it or rub.  They say it is fairly common when you are older.  Also, you might get something they call floaters that you even see when the lights are on.  They are things that are floating in front of your retina distrupting your vision.  Occasionally my mom would get some so big that they really impaired her vision.

It is a bummer getting old.