I'm almost 48 and have had similar incidents for the last 5-8
years maybe. What I see is with both eyes and in my direct
line of vision straight ahead, as well as peripheral vision looking
side to side.
I see what looks like little pieces of glitter in silver and gold shiny
colors. They move slowly about like they are in a fluid. I see
no flashes and am able to see everything else. The incidents
are transient and last at the most for about 3 minutes.
Fortunately I rarely get headaches and had 20-20 vision until
a couple years ago when I began wearing reading glasses.
I've read up on floaters, streaks, shadows, and other visual phenomena and what I see doesn't fit the bill.
At first I thought these could be transient flashbacks from prior
drug experimentation, but I doubt it as I was not a heavy dabbler.
I also occasionally get ringing in my ears. Hearing loss in latter years
runs in my family, and my sister has chronic migraines, and my mother
recently told me she has these same lights. She is diabetic and it may
be related to that.
My question in neurology forums on the internet was answered
by a neurologist who indicated that this probably has something
to do with the brain. He said if it became more frequent or was
accompanied by headaches, to see a neurologist.
I found the following Q&A at the Ohio Lions Research website:
"Q. Every once-in-a-while I see a type of kaleidoscope effect of moving streaks of light that temporarily block-out my vision. Sometimes it is
directly in front and at other times it is off to the side. I see the patches of light with both eyes at the same time and even see the lights with
my eyes closed. Otherwise my vision is 20/20. Any ideas?
Regarding your question about
www.ohiolionseyeresearch.com... patches of light, we would recommend that
you see a
Neuro-ophthalmologist. Because you see the patches of light with both eyes at the same time
means that the site of the effect is
probably cortical in the brain. That the patches of light cover parts of your visual field is analogous to what are medically referred to as
"scotomas." The most common cause of transitory scotomas made-up of so-called flashing lights (fortification phenomena) is migraines. Typically,
migraines that cause scotomas are also associated with subsequent headaches, but not always. Migraines can also be associated with other symptoms
including ringing in the ears, loss of balance, light headedness, sensitivity to lights and other body sensations. However, temporary scotomas may be
due to other, more serious, medical problems and this is why you really need to be evaluated by a Neuro-ophthalmologist; a medical doctor trained in
both Ophthalmology and Neurology."
www.ohiolionseyeresearch.com...
Please share with us the results of your doctor visit, okay?
[Edited on 10/3/04 by aWoman]