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What Causes Small Bright Streaks In Eyes?
Question: For the last three or four years, my eyes will get small bright streaks in them which change to white flashes when I blink for a few more times. This whole phenomenon usually lasts from a few seconds to a minute or so. I have been to three different eye doctors and a retinal specialist. Any idea what could cause this? The doctors seem to think this could be vitreous traction or floaters, but I do also have quite a few floaters which are different than this. I am nearsighted and they tend to happen much more when I am nervous or am thinking about them. Sometimes, I don't notice them at all. Thanks
Brief Answer:
It appears like vitreoretinal traction.
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 flashes of light associated with floaters of light.
Since you are having near sightedness these symptoms more likely indicate eye problem involving the vitreous and retina in the form of vitreoretinal traction because of vitreous and or retinal degeneration.
This requires evaluation by your retina specialist to look for retinal degenerations like periphersl retinal thinning and treatment for the same if present by laser to prevent any further complications. If no abnormality is detected on examination, regular follow up once in 6-12 months is advised.
I guess the same thing was advised by your eye doctor.
The other causes which can be considered are migraine headache. Here the symptoms of clashes of light are associated with headache, dizziness, nausea,vomiting... and other symptoms.
Since the symptoms suggestive of migraine are not present anf you are also having myopia or near sightedness, in whom these bitreoretinal tractions are more common, this appesrs to be related to eye problem in the form of vitreoretinal traction as suggested by your eye doctor.
Hope I have answered your question and the information is helpful to you.
Thank you
With regards
It appears like vitreoretinal traction.
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 flashes of light associated with floaters of light.
Since you are having near sightedness these symptoms more likely indicate eye problem involving the vitreous and retina in the form of vitreoretinal traction because of vitreous and or retinal degeneration.
This requires evaluation by your retina specialist to look for retinal degenerations like periphersl retinal thinning and treatment for the same if present by laser to prevent any further complications. If no abnormality is detected on examination, regular follow up once in 6-12 months is advised.
I guess the same thing was advised by your eye doctor.
The other causes which can be considered are migraine headache. Here the symptoms of clashes of light are associated with headache, dizziness, nausea,vomiting... and other symptoms.
Since the symptoms suggestive of migraine are not present anf you are also having myopia or near sightedness, in whom these bitreoretinal tractions are more common, this appesrs to be related to eye problem in the form of vitreoretinal traction as suggested by your eye doctor.
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
Answered by
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