Wondering if anyone else experiences this? I have been to every sort of Dr. from a retina specialist to neuro-opthomologist to a neurologist to cardiologist and everything checks out fine-however no one can explain why I get these flashing lights ONLY when I run or walk/hike . I have been told that they are "probably" ocular migraines but they are really scary!

It is just so worrisome that when I walk or run (especially noticable at night or when I finish my morning run and go inside where it is darker) maybe 60% of the time, I get these flashes of light that turn into swirling light in my peripheral vision. Maybe within 60 seconds of finishing my run or hike they subside. I usually do not get a headache with them but do get migraines without visual disturbances every now and then. Does this sound like an ocular migraine? Can running or exercise trigger ocular migraines? Does not happen when I bike. Sometimes I also notice melting wax image in my peripherial vision when I am outside-is this normal?

Like I said I have been to all sorts of Dr.'s - had MRI's, dopplers, stress test, etc.. and no one can tell me for sure what this is or why it happens. It just really scares me and makes me hesitant to run or walk especially when it is dark! I do have a history of bad sinusitis and wonder if inflammed sphenoid or other sinus cavities could cause disturbance in blood flow to the eyes and result in vision disturbances. I am a very fit and competitive runner and have no other health issues to speak of... Any thoughts? Could hormones trigger ocular migraines? I know lots of questions!!:dizzy:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by trigal : 06-10-2006 at 06:54 AM.

I recognize you from the eye and vision board, hi :) . Anyway, I got my MRI too and they said I get the black, flashing spots in my vision cause it's a migrane. I do have additional symptoms like regular moving lights in vision and lights appearing to flicker. Also, I sometimes get really dizzy and usually have pressure in the back of my head. It's been better since then. I'm sure if you been checked and since it does go away (does it), it should be nothing concerning. I get you though, like for me, a migrane this long? Do I have to live with this for the rest of my life everytime I play sports? I'm only 16 so I'm worried myself, but I've learned to accept things over time. I have gotten a lot better. Enough about me, how long has this been happening?

Glad everything checked out "okay"... I have had all the tests known to mankind as well and everything checks out fine hence ocular migraine by exclusion I suppose. I have had a couple of Dr.'s say they are not "classic oculars" as the flashing lights go away once I sit down or stop hiking or running. Don't know:confused: I just know that it does effect my sport as a competitive masters runner and duathlete ( I compete on a national level)- I try not to train at night when I notice them more and get a bit wigged out when I am racing or doing a hard training session that they will appear.

I have accepted them to a certain degree but still have questions about what goes on and the connection to exercise.

Be Well:wave:

I don't know if it's the movement of exercise or going outside first then coming in where the light is darker, but I have had them for years and it doesn't have to be strenuous exercise for me, just movement like taking my dog for a walk. I can almost predict that soon after I come in I will have an episode of pulsating light. It lasts only seconds and goes away as soon as I lay down and close my eyes. I sometimes wear dark glasses as soon as I get up and it seems to help. Juanta.