Question - "glittery" pattern in front of eye(s) Update #11

[Catty1]

I was at a gathering tonight. Drank some soda water, had a couple of carrot sticks. Seriously.

Just when I went to leave, I noticed a funny pattern in front of my left eye. You know how when you look at something bright for a bit too long, you can "see" it for a minute or two afterwards?

This thing started looking like an award seal - the round ones with the pointy serrated edges. Except this was clear in the middle and the 'points' were clear, but kind of fluttery as some bits of colour came and went.

I was driving home and it was dark. Little by little, the pattern widened til it was at the way top and left of my field of vision. SEEMS to be gone now. But it was totally weird.

I am way overdue for an eye checkup, so I will book that tomorrow.

Have you ever had this happen to you? Did you find out what it was?

thanks.

ETA: I didn't think I could find anything on this...but "ocular migraine" fit pretty well. A headache may not even happen.

[Marigold2]

Is it like a spidar web? Have you lost vision? If so then you need to go in the morning ASAP to an ophtholmologist to rule out a detached retina.
If it's flashing of light you might be getting a cararact or your pressure might be high.
Flashing lights are not a good sign.
Good luck and keep us informed.

[Catty1]

Hi, Marigold - my vision seems to be ok right now. However, I know that this can be an early symptom of retina detachment, OR an ocular migraine (which is no problem). But yeah, will get in to see my optometrist ASAP. (He is very skilled medically, and will refer me at once if he spots anything...at least he will be able to see me soon!)

[krazyaboutkatz]

Candace, I've had what you're describing many times before and then they just go away. My father has had a detached retina in both of his eyes so I knew about the flashing light thing but this is different.

When I was having my eyes checked out one time, I asked the doctor about this and he told me it was an ocular migraine like you had mentioned. I told him that I've never had a headache afterwards though. He didn't seem to be too worried about it. I also always have my eyes dilated so that he can check my retina's out and they've been fine.

I asked my father about this and he also said that he used to get these when he was younger and he would sometimes get a bad headache afterwards. Hopefully in your case it's nothing to worry about.

[Cataholic]

Sounds just like an occular migraine!

[Catty1]

Yep, seems to be. It IS weird when you have never had one! I phoned the office and left a message for an eye appt. They are closed today and Tuesday for Remembrance Day. Hopefully I will get in this week.

Am overdue for checkup anyway.

Thanks, everyone!