Question
Recently I have started seeing yellow flashes on the side of my left eye. Over the past two days when I am outside, the sunlight is extremely bright. I was diagnosed with pressure behind my eyes many years ago, but it is controlled. Can you tell me any reasons I am having these problems? I am 51. Thank you.
Answer
Hi Peggy,
Anytime someone notices flashing lights, we inspect the retina to make sure there isn't a tear, hole or other defect to explain the symptom of flashing lights. It is normal as we age to have an event called 'posterior vitreous detachment' happen and that is probably what you have, but you MUST have an eye doctor examine your eye to make sure your retina is OK. There are other possible explanations, but you start with an exam and go from there.
Hope that helps,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
