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Flashing Lights

super-sally888

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super-sally888 Contributor
super-sally888
Posted

Hi, I've been getting flashing in one eye. Maybe once every couple of hours, and sometimes more frequently.... seems to be becoming more frequent. this is not the first time - but before it seemed to resolve by itself... Was checked before for retinal problems about a year ago and all was fine.... Am also worried that it could be due to a pituitary problem (already diagnosed with pituitary micro-adenoma) - but no change in galactorrhoea...... . guess I better get checked again..... Hope it's nothing... Hope I'm being paranoid over nothing - maybe it's just stress!!!! .... Anyone experience anything like this...

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super-sally888 Contributor
super-sally888
Posted
  • Author

Oh - and a few times after long bike ride (3-4 hr rides) recently it seems like half of my left visual field on the left eye is shaking (moving)... it stops after a while (maybe half an hour)...... geez.... that doesn't look good in writing!

Ursa Major Collaborator
Ursa Major
Posted
Oh - and a few times after long bike ride (3-4 hr rides) recently it seems like half of my left visual field on the left eye is shaking (moving)... it stops after a while (maybe half an hour)...... geez.... that doesn't look good in writing!

You're right, that doesn't look good at all! I suggest you make an appointment with an eye doctor tomorrow, and tell them it's an emergency, if they won't give you an appointment by the latest Wednesday. You don't fool with your eyesight.

I hope it's nothing serious.

little d Enthusiast
little d
Posted

Hi

I had a boss that has MS and she had something like that she discribed it as lightning flashes, may not be that, but defiantly get checked out.

Donna

lorka150 Collaborator
lorka150
Posted

I get that - it's just from my neurological symptoms (says my neurologist and opthamalogist).

georgie Enthusiast
georgie
Posted

I assume you have had an MRI to dx your Pituitary micro-adenoma? The optic nerve can be compromised with Pituitary growths so its important to go back and check this latest problem. How long since your MRI ?

super-sally888 Contributor
super-sally888
Posted
  • Author

Hi, thanks all.

Ok, I gotta get this checked. It is a bit scarey. I haven't told anyone (my friends) about this. Have just been hoping it would go away...

Last MRI was about 4 years ago (I think). Dr. had me on bromocriptine for a while, but couldn't stand the side effects and stopped. That dr. has already migrated to the US. My new dr. was not following anything on that (though he checks prolactin levels from time to time - but they have been normal range all along, even with the galactorrea).

Guess this is good time to find new endo dr.

Elections here today. Will see opthamologist either tomorrow or Wednesday.... and then see where to from there....

Fingers crossed that this is just some anomaly and nothing serious.

S

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georgie Enthusiast
georgie
Posted

I can feel for you on this. My hubbie has just had an MRI for a possible Pituitary Tumour, and the waiting was terrible. There is a Lab in Adelaide BTW that does MRI scans from a GP for LESS than the Medicare rebated other places. Weird ... We thought MRI had to be ordered by a specialist and cost heaps - not so ....

I used to get flashing lights with Migraines too. But with your history you need to go back to your Dr.

super-sally888 Contributor
super-sally888
Posted
  • Author

Hi All,

Thanks to your encouragement I did go see Dr. today (specialist eye centre, very close to my office). After initial history, they passed me straight to the neuroopthamologist, who read me the riot act about making sure that I have close follow-up given my history and condition, and did I know that pituitary tumors can cause blindness, and that it is not reversible! Ok! I deserved that. I do know that and have just been trying to ignore it.

Anyway, they did visual field mapping (fun test) and it is ok. The optic nerve looks fine. My corrected vision is 20/15. Whew! Which means that whatever is causing this, it is not damaging the visual field (ie there is no compression of the optic nerve).

Dr. wants to see previous MRI and then he will recommend if he wants a repeat MRI or further testing (will deliver that to him in the next day or two).

They will also do retinal checking in the next few days to make sure there is no retinal detachment.

If all is clear, he has given me a list of things to watch out for, which would require immediate consultation, and else he would like to see me every year for monitoring.

So am not yet quite relieved, but at least now I am doing something! Hopefully this is just something to watch and not panic over.

Thanks everyone!

Sally

georgie Enthusiast
georgie
Posted

Phew - at least the Field of Vision test was OK ( hubbie said its a horrible test ) so lets hope the MRI is too - sounding more hopeful that it should be. At least you sound as though you have good care now and a management plan.

whitball Explorer
whitball
Posted

I also have flashing issues. I used to get this with migraines prior to menstration. After my hysterectomy in 2003, they stopped. However, during the last two months, the flashing has returned and it is in both eyes. It's almost like lightning, but in a circular shape. Seemed like it went away after I ate something, so I am wondering if it is a blood sugar issue for me. do you experience this?

Canadian Karen Community Regular
Canadian Karen
Posted
I also have flashing issues. I used to get this with migraines prior to menstration. After my hysterectomy in 2003, they stopped. However, during the last two months, the flashing has returned and it is in both eyes. It's almost like lightning, but in a circular shape. Seemed like it went away after I ate something, so I am wondering if it is a blood sugar issue for me. do you experience this?

Mine is very similar to this - but I would describe it as like a neon flashing zig zag half-moon on the outer parts of my peripheral vision..... I get it when I am under severe stress and over-tired..... mostly during a crisis of some sort....

whitball Explorer
whitball
Posted
Mine is very similar to this - but I would describe it as like a neon flashing zig zag half-moon on the outer parts of my peripheral vision..... I get it when I am under severe stress and over-tired..... mostly during a crisis of some sort....

Your description more closely describes mine. Do you find that food helps?

Canadian Karen Community Regular
Canadian Karen
Posted
Your description more closely describes mine. Do you find that food helps?

Definitely..... It usually happens when something major happens, I go into overdrive, stressed out, no sleep, no food, etc. Once I eat, it does help to settle it down.....

debmidge Rising Star
debmidge
Posted

hubby gets this and dr. called it "migraine equivalent"

super-sally888 Contributor
super-sally888
Posted
  • Author
hubby gets this and dr. called it "migraine equivalent"

Dr. did ask me if I get migraines. I don't. But recently have been getting base of skull headaches...

Had final tests yesterday. All looks fine with the eyes themselves. Retina is fine. Drs. think that it is probably related to the pituitary problem (adenoma). They do not want to repeat MRI yet. I had done last in 2004. They say wait at least another year... so for now they say they have ruled out major "emergency" concerns and approach now is close observation.

I need to see endocrinologist (in process of finding a new one) and have hormone testing again and also inform him/her of the situation to watch for - and am to go back to dr. immediately if anything changes suddenly or any new symptoms.

I went and looked up pituitary tumors on the internet. Stupid me!!! Base of skull headaches is one of the symptoms. So now, although the visual tests were ok (these are also a major symptom, in case the adenoma starts compressing the optic nerve) I am even more paranoid.

Didn't tell the Dr. about the headaches (they have been pretty infrequent so far - maybe once or twice a month - haven't been keeping track) - though yesterday's was bad, but figure that it might be hormone related as i also got my period yesterday. Well, will keep note of all symptoms now. If get more frequently will have to tell dr.

Geez am a walking hypochondriac!!!!!! At least tummy is more reasonably behaved these days....

S

S

georgie Enthusiast
georgie
Posted
They do not want to repeat MRI yet. I had done last in 2004.

That's 3 years ago ........... huh ???

I don't know but if it were me I would be the most paranoid patient they had and would demand further testing. Its your body and you have certain rights .... :angry:

If you want good advise the yahoo Pituitary Group is good. They could help you heaps. Open Original Shared Link I know they have helped me work out hubbie's illness and help the Dr too.

You are not planning a trip to Adelaide - are you ? I know a place that does MRIs from a GP's authorization...

grey Explorer
grey
Posted

I used to get these and my neurologist called them "ocular migraines." Usually when I was really run down in grad school - 4 hours sleep, really stressed, lots of coffee, no food. He wasn't worried about them but they were scary to have. They didn't last very long usually; quick sugar fix followed by carbs would usually help but I would keep getting them if I didn't rest. Eventually I stopped getting them and started getting regular full-blown pain migraines - at the base of my skull! I didn't realize they were migraines at first, so I didn't get treatment for a long time.

Are you sure the base-of-skull headaches aren't migraines? Could be triggered by stress and hormones.

best,

grey

super-sally888 Contributor
super-sally888
Posted
  • Author
That's 3 years ago ........... huh ???

I don't know but if it were me I would be the most paranoid patient they had and would demand further testing. Its your body and you have certain rights .... :angry:

If you want good advise the yahoo Pituitary Group is good. They could help you heaps. Open Original Shared Link I know they have helped me work out hubbie's illness and help the Dr too.

You are not planning a trip to Adelaide - are you ? I know a place that does MRIs from a GP's authorization...

Hi Georgie. Thanks. Just put in a request to join that group. Unfortunately looks like I won't get back to Australia this year. Usually go to QLD. Think MRI is cheaper over here anyway. Will just watch things for a few weeks and see what patterns are happening.... I presume this is not emergency!!! Dr. said something about not wanting to do MRI too often as it will "Fry your brain"....

And then will go running to Dr. if anything changes further....

Gee, human body is interesting... particularly when it doesn't quite work right...

  • 2 weeks later...
geeze Rookie
geeze
Posted
Hi, I've been getting flashing in one eye. Maybe once every couple of hours, and sometimes more frequently.... seems to be becoming more frequent. this is not the first time - but before it seemed to resolve by itself... Was checked before for retinal problems about a year ago and all was fine.... Am also worried that it could be due to a pituitary problem (already diagnosed with pituitary micro-adenoma) - but no change in galactorrhoea...... . guess I better get checked again..... Hope it's nothing... Hope I'm being paranoid over nothing - maybe it's just stress!!!! .... Anyone experience anything like this...
geeze Rookie
geeze
Posted

Hope this reply works for me. Am brand new to this but will give it a try. I also had the flashing lights about 1.5 years before I was diagnosed with celiac. The major problem was in the left eye and left me with several very large floaters which are a complete nuisance. Apparently there is nothing that can be done about them, at least at this time. I also had problems with the right eye which required major surgery, repair of retinal detachment. Now, one year later I have not fully recovered and have macular edema which the doctors do not understand. I also would like to know if there is any connection between these problems and celiac disease. If celiac disease can cause a rash on my knee, why not a problem with my eye!!!!

  • 2 months later...
Cat5 Newbie
Cat5
Posted

I have had those Zig-Zag half-moon flashes across my eyes for years and my Eye doctor told me they can happen if I've eaten too much chocolate or cheese. She said that for me at least it was nothing to worry about that sometimes the blood vessels get stressed and dialated after chocolate or cheese consumption and causes this reaction. Hopefully it will be the same for those of you who reported what sounded like the same thing I have experienced.

  • 2 weeks later...
mariesch Newbie
mariesch
Posted
hubby gets this and dr. called it "migraine equivalent"
mariesch Newbie
mariesch
Posted

I am new to this website. I was diagnosed with DH in 1977 as a student in Edinburgh, Scotland. I did not always stay on gluten-free diet over the years. I have been on gluten-free diet strictly for 8 yrs now. I have just been diagnosed with Birdshot Chorioretinopathy (Birdshot Retina). It is a very rare, sight threatening, auto-immune based uveitis.

There are very few ocular immunologists in the world who have experience with this. The best known is Dr Steven Foster in Boston, US.

If any of you are having the symptoms of floaters, flashing lights, decreased or blurred vision, it is VERY important that you are assessed by an ophthalmologist with experience in this. There are many types of uveitis with an auto-immune basis, or pre-existing auto-immune disease.

I live in Canada now and finding this new journey frustrating and yet enlightening. My mother also had the disease. it is apparently even more rare to have this passed on in families.

Good luck!

marie

Yellow Rose Explorer
Yellow Rose
Posted

I have had the flashing light thing but not with a major migraine. I get an arch on the outside area of my vision with connecting triangles that flash. It starts off slow and picks up in speed and intensity. It usually lasts for about 15 minutes and then my neck muscles are stiff and my vision gets very blurry in that eye for several hours. The first time it happened I really freaked and called the Dr. I was told I was having a migraine and to go lie down in a dark room and take some Ibuprophen. I never got the headache. My mother is the same way. I have since noticed that stress and a really bright day and not putting on my sunglasses will make one come on.

Yellow Rose

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