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What Causes Constant Flickering In The Peripheral Vision Of Left Eye?

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Posted on Sat, 14 Jun 2014
Question: I have a constant flickering in the peripheral vision of my left eye. I notice it if I am near a window or in dim light outside and under fluroscent lighting. I am 56 years old and very nearsighted.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Retinal degenerations need to be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care magic
I am Dr. Dadapeer K, an Ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye.

It seems from the history that you are having a sensation of flickering in the peripheral vision in left eye and you are a near sighted.

Near sightedness indicate myopia and in myopia the retina shows degenerations in the periphery of the retina and these degenerations include retinal thinning, retinal holes..... These retinal degenerations can cause flickering in the peripheral vision.
This requires evaluation by a ophthalmologist by performing indirect ophthalmoscopy to look for these retinal degenerations and treatment for them. This treatment is essential to prevent complications arsing from them like retinal detachment. The treatment is very easy and simple and includes office procedures like laser treatment which are very effective and will prevent development of any complications as a result of retinal degenerations.

I would like to know few more details like
Do you wear spectacles for correction of your near sight
If you wear spectacles please do mention the refractive power of glasses
From how long you are having near sight

I request to you answer the above questions so that I can advice you more accurately.


Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you.

Thank you

With regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dadapeer K (1 hour later)
Could it be PVD
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
PVD can also cause these symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam,
Thank you for the follow up query.

PVD which stands for Posterior Vitreous detachment can cause similar symptoms the only difference being it presents with presence of floaters along with flickering of lights.
PVD is usually because of age related changes in the vitreous. Vitreous lies behind the lens and PVD occurs because of separation of the vitreous from retina as a result of age related liquefaction of the vitreous. Most of the times it will resolve itself but rarely it can cause a retinal tear which requires treatment. The treatment is by same laser photocoagulation as done for retinal degeneration.

Since you are having problem of near sightedness, the incidence of PVD is high in myopics than in normal people and also it is common to find retinal degenerations as I had mentioned in the previous answer.
Hence this requires examination by a ophthalmologist to look for any of these conditions by performing indirect ophthalmoscopy and treatment accordingly if required.
Hence I advice you to consult your ophthalmologist for examination and treatment accordingly.

Thank you
With regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dadapeer K

Ophthalmologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 5709 Questions

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What Causes Constant Flickering In The Peripheral Vision Of Left Eye?

Brief Answer: Retinal degenerations need to be ruled out. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to Health care magic I am Dr. Dadapeer K, an Ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye. It seems from the history that you are having a sensation of flickering in the peripheral vision in left eye and you are a near sighted. Near sightedness indicate myopia and in myopia the retina shows degenerations in the periphery of the retina and these degenerations include retinal thinning, retinal holes..... These retinal degenerations can cause flickering in the peripheral vision. This requires evaluation by a ophthalmologist by performing indirect ophthalmoscopy to look for these retinal degenerations and treatment for them. This treatment is essential to prevent complications arsing from them like retinal detachment. The treatment is very easy and simple and includes office procedures like laser treatment which are very effective and will prevent development of any complications as a result of retinal degenerations. I would like to know few more details like Do you wear spectacles for correction of your near sight If you wear spectacles please do mention the refractive power of glasses From how long you are having near sight I request to you answer the above questions so that I can advice you more accurately. Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you. Thank you With regards