That's flashes Not Flashers!
A few weeks ago I noticed a new floater in my right eye and then was a bit worried to get flashes in the corner of the same eye. I checked with YD who worked in an opticians for many years and she said best get checked.
So I popped into the Asda opticians in town, went through a whole lot of questions only to be told at the end that they hadn't got a regular optician there at the moment and are referring everyone to the emergency eye phone number (like 111 but for eyes).
That made me decide to ring my regular optician where we lived on the coast and where YD worked, at least they would be able to make me an appointment and of course they had all records of eye changes going back years.
I went for a check -up, all looked OK, nothing really worrying and have to go back for another look next week as the drops needed to do one of the tests require no driving for 2 hours afterwards and I wasn't parked anywhere I could stay that long.
But this leaflet described everything and of course I should have known - it's all down to Old Age!!
What a great title for a leaflet though ☺️
ReplyDeleteKeep checking Sue - mine turned out to be a retina becoming detached - the flash that told was the one where I thought someone was shining a flashlight at me through the car window (I was driving early and it was dark). Then later the same day I got zig zag flashes - got an emergency appoinment with the hospital and laser surgery later in the day. Sometimes the NHS absolutely performs. You are right though, mostly it's down to age and the floaters don't mean anything serious. I sometimes wonder why so many "age things"
ReplyDeletenever got mentioned by all the oldies I knew growing up.........did they not have them, or was I not paying attention? Elaine
I am 50 and I have had floaters and flashes for years now, because of rather strong myopia. My mother had retina tear in her 60s so I get my eyes checked regularly.
ReplyDeleteMaguy
My husband had a similar experience recently but was told no driving for four hours. He was given a similar pamphlet. Fun, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteAt least we can get free eye tests now we are older. I hope your problem us sorted soon though. We are very dependent on our eyesight.
ReplyDeletePhew....
ReplyDeleteThis happened to me last month, a flash at the bottom corner of my right eye and then floaters (which I still have). I had a tear in the back of this eye treated by laser a few years ago and also get the optical migraine zigzags occasionally so I went to the opticians just to get it checked over, as I have double vision too I'm always concerned about anything with eyes. I hope all will be well after your tests:)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's nothing nasty and just down to, ahem, old age! A long drive to find out but at least you have had your mind put at ease over it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the club. I had this happen to me and I acted straight away as a few years ago my husband had a detached retina and had surgery to fix it at Moorfields. It was just the flashes and floaters and has settled down now. Eyes are so precious and as your daughter said best to check any changes out with a professional. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeletewhat would they do if they can't quote 'your getting older'
ReplyDeleteVery wise to have your eye checked out, Sue, even though it was a distance to drive. Catriona
ReplyDeleteOur local Optometrists see people very quickly for new, floaters and “flashing lights” and do a retinal scan. There is no charge for emergency scans though they cost about £25 at routine eye tests even for pensioners. The floaters are a nuisance, I am forever swatting at midges.
ReplyDeleteI had the same experience at the beginning of the month but my primary care practice went me to the ER when I called them. ER ruled out stroke. Two days ago I had my regular eye check and he said it a form of migraine.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh I bet that was worrying, thank goodness you got everything checked straight away. Old age is a terrible thing, but it's much better than the alternative.
ReplyDeleteYou’ve reminded me, TQ, I must book my eye test
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
They are fairly common, but always best to get checked out.
ReplyDeleteI remember being in work and the manager had gone into town to get her eyesight test. The phone rang, it was the optician to speak to her as he needed to tell her not to drive for two hours due to the eye drops. Guess where she was . . . in the car on the way home!
It's one thing after another as we age but it's good to get things checked out to be safe.
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ReplyDeleteI am glad it was not serious. Eyes are important and getting these things checked is best.
ReplyDeleteMy eye doctor is very local and when I had vision disturbance he walked me through how to know what it might be. If it's an ocular migraine, it's both eyes. But a retinal issue is usually disturbance in one eye. But to get it checked anyway.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for comments - I really want to look after my eyes and have usually had checks every two years but that will reduce to one year now.
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