Flashing lights in peripheral vision when running - Eye & Vision Message Board

trigal · 06-10-2006, 05:51 AM

Wondering if anyone else experiences this? I have been to every sort of Dr. from a retina specialist to a optho-neurologist to cardiologist and everything checks out fine-however no one can explain why I get these flashing lights ONLY when I run. I have been told that they are probably ocular migraines but maybe not.

It is just so worrisome that when I 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. Once my heart rate slows down they go away. Maybe within 60 seconds of finishing my run 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 trigger ocular migraines? Does not happen when I bike or hike. 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 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! 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?

itsallgood190 · 06-12-2006, 09:10 AM

I been worried about my health too. Lately my eyes been seeing white sparks that move around. Also, when I go out in the sun I get these things that kinda look like camera flashes going inside a vortex or some ish like that. I also do have pressure in the back of my head. I went to my regular doctor and at first it was high blood pressure then he said it was a migrane. The migrane pills ain't working though. Guess I should tell him that the 'sparks' and moving lights is getting worse! My regular eye doc said there is nothing wrong with my actual eye so the eye pains I'm getting could be from bad sinus, like you. The flashes that go in to a tornado type pattern is especially when I run. Happens when I go in and out of the light and dark sometimes.

trigal · 06-13-2006, 06:21 AM

Wow, so someone else does get this! Every Dr.I have seen tells me they have never heard of this happening when running only. Odd. I actually have low blood pressure-well not clinically low but last time it was 102/64, so I know it is not that. I am beginning to see a connection between when my sinuses are flaring up and the flashers during my run and the wax melting thing in the light. If sinuses can trigger headaches and ocular migraines are a variant of migraines then maybe there is a connection. It is tough being told "everything is OK, but we do not know what it is". Obviously it is not a common thing because you are the only one who responded -thanks for your reply. If you come across any info. please pass it my way!

itsallgood190 · 06-13-2006, 09:18 AM

yeah, my sinuses have been messed up too, even the antibiotics didn't work. I guess i'll tell my doctor soon! If I get anything I'll tell you.

itsallgood190 · 06-13-2006, 09:19 AM

another factor could be age, how old are you?