Streak of Light in vision

Sadlyn · 02-10-2005, 01:28 PM

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone has experienced this. Last night, while on the computer, i begin to have a streak of light in my vision in my left eye. Even when I closed my eyes, I could see it. It was very similiar to a bolt of lightning.

I then begin to have an anxiety attack. Slight tightening of the chest, my left side felt funny. Not numb, just kinda weird. Also felt kinda nauseous. After a xanex, an ativan, an aspirin, and a gas-x, I feel asleep and feel normal today.

I'm almost 42, and I think I am peri-menopausel....periods erratic, etc..

Any ideals, or should I haul a** to the dr. I have also had a cardio myopathy 4 years ago during the birth of my prince..

Michelle0925 · 02-10-2005, 01:32 PM

Do you have glaucoma?

That (bolts of light in your eye) can be a classic symptom of retinal problems. Not to alarm you, but a friend of mine in his 30's just went through that... his retina was detaching. It was an inherted weakness that didn't manifest until recently.

It could be nothing, or it could be something. (wow. THAT was a wise statement, huh? lol)

I would head to an eye doctor if I was you. My friend had a simple out-patient surgery and now he is fine. The alternative can be permanent loss of vision in that eye if you don't get it taken care of.

Good luck.

michelle

Marie55 · 02-10-2005, 01:37 PM

You may have "vitrous separation" and it can possibly tear the retina. Please have it checked by an eye specialist. Take precautions and do not lean over, keep upright to avoid further damage to eye.

Sunlover · 02-10-2005, 01:47 PM

I agree with the other posters - 999 out of 1,000 it's not a detached retina, I've had these kinds of problems since I was 21 (I'm 46) flashes, balls of light, sparkles, big flashing spots, you name it - and so far my retina's are still healthy - the thing is something like that HAS to be checked out as soon as you can, the quicker it's found if it's a torn retina, the better chances you have of getting it fixed easily.

You could have just spazzed out over that and gotten an anxiety attack (I'm a master at that!)

xpax · 02-10-2005, 04:47 PM

That is how my migraines started. I was a kid sitting on a high rail, scared of heights but being showy, and I noticed I could only see half the pitcher. I panicked over it.
I ran home saying I was going blind but no. It's called migraine with "aura".

Later they started with a kaleidoscopic slash of light in one eye, or a big blind spot or a star.

You likely panicked over the light. Seeing a doctor with all these posts in mind is a good idea.