Flashing lights.

[chuckk333]

Since many of the posts on this subject are a bit old, I thought that a new string would be helpful.
Some years ago I started having episodes of blind spots in my field of view and flashing patterns. They went away after about 20 min. After many tests, it was concluded that I had “migrains with out the head ache”. I went off of coffee and other caffein and they diminished in frequency until I hardly had them at all. My wife had they same experience and she switched to decaf. and they diminished for her as well.

Now in the last week I have had two episodes after a long time with out any. It makes me wonder if my MDS has triggered them or if something else that I am ingesting causing it. I am now juicing every day with a varity of vegitables and fruits. (pineapple evey day to see if it helps with my platelet count. and a lot of carrots and greens)

[J.claire]

Dear Chuck,
good idea to update this. The optometrist didn’t find anything. I am still having the flashing lights. Will try eliminating coffee, as I do drink some every morning. Thanks

[Neil]

It is probably wise to se an opthamologist to determine if there is a problem.
As one ages the “gel” in the eyeball begins to shrink. This creates “floaters”, the annoying black spots that move around in the background of your vision. As the shrinking occurs there can be “flashing lights” in the corners of the eye. Something of a normal aging issue.
But the flashing lights can also be a symptom of a detached retina.
My hemo has me see an opthamologist annually to check if there are any MDS related issues. He has me see the opth. if there are any unusual vision problems.
Those with low platelets (and diabetes) should have their eyes checked periodically to make sure there is no deterioration in eye health.

[covergirl]

Hi Chuck,
Thanks for bringing this up. I have the samething and all doctors, hemo,opthamologist, endocrinologist, have decided its the migraine without the headache. I usually sit quietly in a darkened room for about 15 minutes and they go away.

Never thought it could be connected to my MDS.

[Author]

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