877-852-8463CareersLocationsPatient PortalRequest Appointment

Premier providers of eye surgery and LASIK in Mid-Michigan and Northwest Ohio

Blog

Why Am I Seeing Flashes Of Light In The Corner Of My Eye?

Flashing Lights in Eye

Has this ever happened to you? You’re going about your day—running errands, grocery shopping, taking care of yard work—when you suddenly see flashing lights in your eye that take you by surprise. You know it wasn’t a camera flash or a strike of lightning, but you’re not sure how to explain the phenomenon. To your luck, there’s a medical explanation for seeing flashing lights in the corner of your eyes.

Let’s explore the vision-related causes of these flashing lights and floaters in the eye along with when you need to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.

Why Am I Seeing Flashes of Light in the Corner of My Eye?

Both seeing floaters and flashes of light in the corner of your eye are a result of shrinking vitreous. The vitreous is fluid in the back of the eye that protects the retina and helps the eye maintain its shape.

As your eyes’ vitreous supply naturally diminishes as they age, floaters drift in front of the retina—effectively blocking your field of vision. Dust-like floaters appear differently for everyone, and anyone can experience them as they age. People in their 50s, 60s, and 70s are most likely to experience floaters in their vision. However, other factors such as diabetes, nearsightedness, and past eye swelling issues can increase your risk of developing the eye condition.

Both flashing lights and floaters affect the retina. The retina’s job is to process light that enters your eye and then send that information to your brain. The vitreous is attached to the retina by small fibers. The friction that occurs on these fibers can lead to flashing lights in the eye.

Schedule Appointment

Vision-Related Causes of Flashing Lights in the Eye

This friction in the eye can be caused by a few different factors, and not all are vision-related. Health conditions such as migraines and diabetes along with medications can create flashing lights in the eyes.

Four main vision-related conditions cause flashing lights to appear. Take a look at what those conditions are, what causes them, and what their effects are:

1. Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Posterior vitreous detachment is one of the more common vision-related causes of flashing lights and floaters in the eye. As you age, the vitreous can detach. If this detachment occurs suddenly, the resulting friction can cause floaters and flashing lights to appear in the corner of your eye. This condition occurs naturally in people over the age of 40. While it cannot be prevented, it can be treated.

Learn more about the Symptoms and Causes of Vitreous Detachment.

2. Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is a disorder of the optic nerve that causes swelling and inflammation. The swelling and inflammation can cause flashing lights in the eye and even lead to vision loss or blindness. Other common symptoms include eye redness, blurred vision, double vision, and headaches.

3. Retina Pressure

Excess pressure on the retina can result in flashing lights appearing in one or both of your eyes. The pressure can be caused by rubbing your eyes, coughing too hard, or getting bumped or hit on the head. Additional symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and sore or burning eyes.

4. Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a condition in which the retina detaches from the underlying tissue in the back of the eye. When this detachment occurs, flashing lights may begin to appear in the eye. Other symptoms include scarring and swelling of the eye. Retinal detachment can be caused by injury due to trauma or inflammation, aging, and underlying eye disease. Since retinal detachment can lead to partial or total vision loss, it should be treated immediately.

Learn More About Eye Anatomy & The Different Parts of The Eye

eye doctor helping patient with flashing lights in eyes

Is It Normal to See Flashes of Light in Corner of Eye?

Catching a quick flash of light in your vision now and then isn’t usually a big deal. But if you start noticing bright spots, streaks like lightning, or bursts of light off to the side more often, it could be a sign of something more serious going on with your eyes.

When You Need To See an Eye Doctor for Flashing Lights in the Eye

While eye floaters are not hereditary, retinal tears and detachment can be. Since both eye floaters and flashing lights in the corner of your eyes result from retinal detachment, consult your eye doctor if you begin experiencing either phenomenon.

You should also see an eye doctor if you experience:

  • Blurry vision
  • Darkening vision
  • Vision loss
  • Dizziness
  • An eye injury
  • An increase in seeing flashing lights
  • An increase in seeing floaters
  • Frequent ocular migraines
  • Vision changes

Schedule an appointment today with an expert ophthalmologist to get an accurate diagnosis regarding the cause of flashing lights and floaters and to receive a customized treatment plan.

Expert Eye Care at Specialty Eye Institute

When it’s time to visit an eye doctor to discuss the floaters and flashing lights in your vision, go to the experts at Specialty Eye Institute. Our team of ophthalmologists and eye doctors will accurately diagnose your condition and provide a treatment plan designed for your unique vision needs.

We offer treatments for retinal detachments that can be performed in-office—such as laser retinal detachment surgery and retinal cryopexy. We use the most advanced equipment and techniques to perform these procedures, which enables us to produce optimal vision results for our patients.

Find a Specialty Eye Institute doctor at one of our convenient locations in Michigan or Ohio to receive the professional eye care you deserve. Schedule your appointment online or by calling 877-852-8463 today.

Optic Nerve Damage: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

Optic Nerve Damage

Optic nerve damage can cause irreversible vision loss. Whether partial or total, vision loss hinders our ability to complete daily tasks with ease. If you want to protect your vision, we strongly recommend scheduling an annual eye exam. Your eye doctor will check for signs of damage, among other conditions, to determine any necessary treatment plans.

Keep reading to learn about what causes optic nerve damage, what symptoms to look for, and how to treat it.

What Is an Optic Nerve?

The optic nerve is a tube-like structure of about one million nerve fibers connecting the back of your eyeball to your brain. It can be stimulated by light and is responsible for transmitting images and light from the retina to the brain. As part of the body’s central nervous system, the optic nerve is essential for collecting and processing visual information.

Read More: Eye Anatomy: The 9 Main Parts of The Eye & How We See

What Causes Optic Nerve Damage?

When it comes to what causes optic nerve damage, there are two main categories: eye diseases, disorders and conditions, and eye injury or trauma.

SCHEDULE TODAY

Optic Nerve Eye Problems, Diseases, Disorders, & Conditions

Glaucoma

Glaucoma can result in high intraocular pressure, blocked blood flow to the eye, or a buildup of fluid in the eye.

Optic Neuritis

This is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes optic nerve inflammation.

Optic Nerve Atrophy

This condition causes the optic nerve to shrink and lose its ability to transmit signals from the eye to the brain.

Optic Nerve Head Drusen

A deposit of cholesterol and protein forms in the eye’s optic disc, where the optic nerve connects to the eye. This deposit can restrict blood flow to the optic nerve, causing blurred vision or vision loss.

Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

The blood flow to the optic nerve is cut off completely, which can cause anything from swelling to inflammation to fluid buildup.

Optic Nerve Compression

Excess pressure is put on the optic nerve, which can cause blindness.

Eye Infection

Bacterial and viral eye infections—such as Lyme disease, measles, and chickenpox—can spread to the optic nerve and cause irreversible damage. These infections can also cause inflammation and swelling that restricts blood flow to the optic nerve.

Eye Cancer

Tumor cells release a chemical that kills cells in the optic nerve. Tumors can also press on the optic nerve, causing inflammation and swelling, or block the flow of blood to the optic nerve.

Optic Nerve Injury or Trauma

  • Stroke: A stroke can interrupt the optic nerve’s blood supply and block the flow of oxygen and nutrients to it.
  • Cerebral aneurysm: An aneurysm can leak or rupture unexpectedly, causing bleeding and swelling in the brain. Increased pressure due to the bleeding and swelling can damage blood vessels, including those supplying blood to the optic nerves.
  • Blood clot: Blood clots block proper blood flow from the optic nerve to the brain.
  • Diabetes: High glucose levels in the retina can damage the optic nerve.
  • Graves’ Disease: An overactive thyroid gland characteristic of Graves’ disease can cause the optic nerve to swell.
  • Medications: Medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis, can damage the optic nerve.

SCHEDULE TODAY

What Are The Signs of Optic Nerve Damage?

Not all cases of optic nerve damage produce obvious symptoms. That’s why we recommend scheduling an annual eye exam so your eye doctor can detect any underlying signs of damage before they become more serious.

There are both eye-related and non-eye-related symptoms of optic nerve damage. The eye-related symptoms include:

  • Partial or total vision loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Vision distortion
  • Redness
  • Inflammation
  • Eye pain
  • Eye bulging
  • Enlarged pupil
  • Weakened color vision
  • Inability to focus
  • Spontaneous eye movement

The non-eye-related symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Memory loss
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Numbness
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Unexplained weight loss

Optic Nerve Damage Treatments

While treatments can relieve symptoms and prevent further vision loss, they can’t restore vision that has already been lost. Always consult your eye doctor before moving forward with any treatments.

Common treatments for optic nerve damage include:

  • Eye drops
  • Steroids
  • Oral medicine
  • Laser therapy

Alternative methods to improve symptoms caused and prevent additional vision loss include:

  • Eating healthy
  • Exercising regularly
  • Wearing corrective lenses

SCHEDULE TODAY

 

Optic Nerve Damage Treatment

Specialty Eye Institute Is An Industry Leader in Compassionate Eye Care

Whether you suffer from optic nerve damage or have glaucoma, Specialty Eye Institute is equipped with the eye care solutions you need to achieve better vision. Our expert ophthalmologists and doctors use the most advanced technology and techniques to develop innovative treatment options for every vision-related problem. That’s how we’ve led the charge in eye care excellence for over 40 years.

Start by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam. This will provide an accurate picture of your vision needs and help us create the most effective treatment plan. We look forward to meeting with you.

SCHEDULE TODAY

Is LASIK Permanent? Understanding the Longevity of LASIK Surgery

woman getting lasik eye surgery

LASIK surgery is one of the most highly sought-after treatment methods for people suffering from refractive eye issues. Over 700,000 patients get LASIK surgery every year, due to the promise of immediate improvement in eye vision quality. While Lasik surgery is permanent, explore the different factors that can increase or decrease the procedure’s long-term effectiveness. 

Understanding LASIK

What is LASIK? 

LASIK is a surgical eye procedure that improves refractive eye errors, helping patients see clearly when focusing on certain things. By using precise and controlled movements, the corneal tissue of the eye is removed using a laser, which permanently reshapes the cornea. This results in clearer vision.

How Does LASIK Work?

There are three stages of LASIK, including preparation, surgery, and post-operative care:

Stage 1: Preparation

Before scheduling a procedure, it’s important to find a reputable surgeon who has years of experience performing LASIK surgery. Your surgeon should consult you about the treatment and its associated risks, including the potential need to make lifestyle changes including wearing contacts, makeup, and perfumes. Lastly, you should invite someone to attend your appointment so that they drive you home after your procedure.

Stage 2: Laser Surgery

There are two steps during LASIK surgery:

  1. Corneal flap creation
  2. Reshaping cornea with excimer laser

Through these two steps, the corneal tissue is removed to permanently reshape the cornea. With the laser’s precise mechanics, the procedure can take less than 20 minutes. However, depending on the severity of your eyes’ refractive error, more time may be required. 

The procedure generally requires ten minutes of operating room time, during which the laser is used for less than a minute on each eye. However, the actual duration of the procedure may vary according to the type and amount of correction needed.

Post Operative Care:

After receiving LASIK surgery, it is important to keep your eyes safe from any external forces that can impact the effectiveness of your treatment including: 

  • Wearing sunglasses
  • Avoiding swimming
  • Not smoking
  • Not wearing make-up the first week after surgery
  • Limiting the amount of time spent reading

How Long Does LASIK Surgery Take? 

Though the actual procedure may take only 10 minutes for each eye, the overall surgery can last for 20 minutes. Most patients frequently finish their procedure within 30 minutes or less. 

With a speedy recovery time, your eyes begin to heal immediately after the procedure is finished. Nevertheless, to reach full recovery, it may take four to six weeks to see full results. 

Eye Exam

How Long Does Lasik Eye Surgery Last? Is Lasik Permanent?

If you’re wondering “How long does LASIK last?”, the good news is that it’s permanent. Though LASIK is considered a permanent surgery (because of the cornea’s physical reshaping), the effectiveness of the procedure can decrease after a while. Most patients will experience the results for their entire lifetime, whereas about 2% of patients in the U.S. will need a touch-up.

Factors Affecting Longevity

Some eligible patients may wonder “Does LASIK wear off?”, and the answer is that there are many factors that can impact the longevity of your LASIK effectiveness including:

  • Age when the surgery was received
  • Prescription stability at time of surgery
  • Underlying eye conditions
  • Ability to follow post-operative care requirements
  • Lifestyle factors
  • Environmental factors

With 99% of patients achieving 20/40 vision after LASIK surgery, the procedure has a high patient satisfaction rate of 96%. 

Vision Conditions Corrected by LASIK

Because LASIK improves how light rays affect the retina, eye conditions with refractive errors caused by eye shape issues are most likely to see benefits. Refractive errors can occur when a patient’s cornea limits light bending, leading to blurry vision. LASIK eye surgery most commonly fixes the following eye conditions:

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Occurs when your cornea is overly curbed or your eyeball is extra long, making it hard to see far-away objects. 

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Occurs when your cornea is overly flat or your eyeball is too short, making it hard to see close-up objects. 

Astigmatism

When your vision is blurry whether something is far away or near because of an irregularly shaped cornea.

Ophthalmologist performing an exam

Eligibility for LASIK Surgery

If you’re wondering “How old do you have to be for LASIK?”, we have all the answers. To be eligible for LASIK eye surgery, a patient needs to meet all eligibility requirements to meet safety regulations including:

  • Patients need to be 18 years of age or older
  • Have generally good eye health and overall health
  • Have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
  • Understand the risks and complications associated with the procedure. 

To ensure patients are equipped to handle all stages of the procedure, they must be fully evaluated by an ophthalmologist to limit risk and unexpected situations from occurring. 

LASIK Enhancement Surgery

Though over 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision, the long-lasting effects can diminish over time. Some patients may find that they need LASIK enhancement flap lift surgery to keep the quality of eyesight they gained during their initial procedure. Oftentimes, enhancement surgery is the preferred choice if you need a tune-up within 3-6 months of your first treatment. 


There are a couple of factors that can impact a patient needing enhancement surgery including:

  • The initial severity of your refractive error
  • A more severe case of nearsightedness or farsightedness
  • A more severe case of astigmatism

Ready to Experience the Benefits of LASIK?

If you’re considering investing in LASIK eye surgery, it’s important to find a qualified eye surgeon with years of experience in the field. 

At Speciality Eye Institute, we are committed to ensuring each of our patient’s vision problems are treated with the utmost level of care. For more information about our LASIK and LASIK enhancement flap lift surgery, reach out to our team. 

Our board-certified ophthalmologists and eye doctors are the first-choice providers for residents in Mid-Michigan and Northwest Ohio.

Schedule a Consultation

Filed Under: Blog

Why You Should Get A Second Opinion Before Cataract Surgery

cataract surgery second opinion

Are you thinking about getting a second opinion before cataract surgery? The best way to get optimal healthcare is by exploring your options. This is especially true when it comes to cataract surgery or any other kind of surgery for that matter.

Why Second Opinions Are Important for Cataract Surgery

Only consulting one eye doctor for eye care will limit your knowledge and impact your decision-making process. When it comes to a health condition like cataracts, you will need to get a second opinion before scheduling a cataract surgery to become familiar with the best treatment options.

But first, What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a type of eye condition that causes cloudiness within the lens of the eye. This cloudiness will interfere with a person's ability to see. A cataract can result in blurry vision, faded colors, halos, and in some cases, blindness. Cataracts can be the result of aging, blunt force trauma, radiation exposure, or genetic diseases. If you don't trust a diagnosis you received from your previous doctor, get a second opinion from a different eye doctor before you determine whether or not to get cataract surgery or treatment.

What is Cataract Surgery Like?

In laser cataract surgery, the natural lens is removed from the eye. An artificial implant is inserted in its place. Before the surgery takes place, the eye care specialist will measure the size and shape of your eye to find an appropriate artificial lens for you. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before the cataract surgery.

Most cataract surgeries take place in under one hour. You will be awake during the operation, but you won't feel pain. Your eyes will be under numbing medication. Side effects after cataract surgery are rare. However, you could experience eye infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, pressure, or fluid buildup.

You will be asked to apply eye drops in the days following the surgery; this medication will help your eyes heal.

Tips & Insights: What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Eye DoctorWhy Is It Important to Get a Second Opinion Prior to Cataract Surgery?

Not everyone needs surgery to treat cataracts. Some people prefer to only wear prescription eyewear to deal with cataracts. Obtaining a second opinion will help you assess the medical condition and determine if you need cataract surgery. Getting a second opinion from another doctor will confirm whether surgery is truly needed, and keep your mind at ease with these important questions answered.

Is Your Eye Surgeon Qualified, Trained, and Certified?

For 40 years, we have been recognized as one of the industry’s innovators. Through our experience, commitment to technology, and role in researching new treatments and techniques we can provide patients with the best possible eye care, both today and in the future.

Does Your Doctor Use Certified Medical Facilities and Safe Equipment? 

Doctors at Specialty Eye Institute use certified equipment when diagnosing and treating your vision problems. Our comprehensive eye exams are designed to detect these common eye issues and other diseases in their early stages. Our doctors also participate in leading clinical technologies.

Eye DoctorWill Your Doctor Inform and Educate You On All Your Options?

The team at Specialty Eye Institute is committed to educating all of our patients before surgery on all available options for the desired results. We provide many educational opportunities with free patient seminars, and informative newsletters and our team of trained patient consultants and surgical counselors are available to answer any questions. Questions? Let's talk!

Tips & Insights: View Our Keratoconus Treatment Options

Would Others Recommend it?

Read the reviews when researching your options for eye care and bigger procedures, like cataract surgery. You can view these on Google My Business, Facebook, or sometimes their website.

Questions To Ask Your Eye Doctor

When you visit the doctors for their expert opinions, be sure to ask these questions to compare:

1. How serious is my eye condition?
2. What are the different treatment options?
3. What is the best treatment option for my particular case?
4. What are the risks that come with this treatment option?
5. What happens if I don't receive treatment?

Also, consider seeking a second opinion from a completely different institute. Different eye health clinics will have different approaches to eye care. When getting a second opinion, feel free to bring along any test results and information gathered from the first consultation. Be open about what the second consultation is about: getting another appraisal.

Have More Questions: Visit Our Cataracts FAQ Page

How to Choose Between Your Options

If the second doctor disagrees with the first about laser cataract surgery, then it's time to evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment option. A third opinion may be needed if you don't know what to do.

In the end, you should go with the treatment plan that offers the best potential outcome. Need a second opinion? Contact Specialty Eye Institute today! With over 40 years of top-notch eye care, we have 10 locations across Michigan and Ohio.

Tips & Insights: The Benefits of Receiving Retinal Detachment Surgery

When Should You Have Cataract Surgery? Signs, Symptoms & Causes

Cataracts in Eye

How Do You Know If You Need Cataract Surgery?

At the beginning of cataract formation, it may be easy to improve your vision through glasses, magnification, bifocals, visual aids, and appropriate lighting. When the cataract progresses to the point that it impairs vision and the way of life, it may be the right time to have cataract surgery. 

Aging is considered the primary factor of poor vision, but getting cataract surgery is painless and simple enough to get your clear vision back. According to PBA, visiting a certified ophthalmologist to perform cataract surgery is an excellent way to get your vision back, and it is the most successful surgery performed in the US, with more than three million Americans undergoing the surgery every year.

What are Cataracts?

A cataract is identified with the clouding of the natural lens in an eye. People who are over 40 are the most affected by cataracts when it comes to vision impairment. In addition, cataracts are the world’s primary cause of blindness.

To understand the seriousness of the widespread effect of cataracts, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) stated that cataracts are more common in comparison to the combined cases of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Cataracts now affect approximately more than 22 million Americans over the age of 46, and PBA states that the figure will rise to 30 million by 2020.

one symptom of cataracts is struggling to see

What Are The Signs You Need Cataract Surgery? 

Cataract symptoms often include blurry vision, similar to looking through cloudy glass. You may also become more sensitive to light. Driving at night may become a challenge because the headlights from oncoming cars may cause more glare than they used to. If you are struggling to see the contrast between different colors or the colors you observe appear less vibrant, this is a sign it's time to talk with a certified ophthalmologist about the advantages of having cataract surgery.

Tips & Insights: What Are The Signs of Macular Degeneration?

What Causes Cataracts?

The eye’s lens functions like the lens of a camera, it is used to focus light on the retina, and it adjusts the focus of the eye for you to see things clearly for both close or distant objects. The main components of the lens are protein and water.

The protein is organized in a way to keeps the lens clear for the light to easily pass through. Over time, the protein may build up and form a small cloudy part of the lens. The cloud may become larger over time forming a cataract, which will make it harder for you to see.

The reason why the lens changes as we age is unknown to us, but doctors have identified factors that cause a cataract; they include:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • UV radiation
  • Smoking
  • High Myopia
  • Previous inflammation or eye surgery
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Use of corticosteroid medications
  • Statin medicines
  • High intake of alcohol

One of the known theories about the formation of cataracts is the oxidative changes in the lens. Nutrition studies support this theory because vegetables and fruits that have antioxidants can help prevent the cause of distinct types of cataracts.

Ophthalmologist

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

When you talk with an ophthalmologist about having cataract surgery, you will become familiar with the process of removing the clouded lens in your eye with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Intraocular lenses are plastic in nature.

Recent developments in IOLs allow patients to have lens options based on their lifestyle. There are 4 main types of IOLs:

  • Monofocal lens – These lenses can provide clear distance vision for patients without astigmatism.
  • Multifocal lens – These lenses can provide a range of vision from near to intermediate to distance.
  • Astigmatism Correcting (Toric) lens – correct higher levels of astigmatism and provide clear distance vision. You will still need glasses for near and intermediate vision.
  • Depth-of-focus lens – This lens provides a continuous range of vision at all distances to fit your active lifestyle.

Men should also be careful to know that some prostate drugs can cause IFIS (Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome) when cataract removal is being performed.

If there is a cataract in each of your eyes, typically cataract surgery is performed on your non-dominant eye first followed by your dominant eye 1-2 weeks later. The time between the two cataract surgeries is in case infection or complications occur.

Tips & Insights: What is the Recovery Timeline For LASIK Eye Surgery?

To prevent yourself from having cataract surgery, use antioxidant vitamins like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, and also wear sunglasses to block UV rays when you are enjoying the sun. If you are struggling to read or drive at night, this is a sign of vision issues that need to be diagnosed by a certified ophthalmologist or optometrist. Our staff of ophthalmologists offers innovative eye care solutions such as LASIK eye surgery, blepharoplasty surgery, glaucoma treatments, corneal transplants, and keratoconus options. Give our team of ophthalmologists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to discuss eye care treatments.

Schedule your cataract screening today!

Schedule My Screening
877-852-8463Newsletter Sign UpLocationsPatient PortalSchedule Appointment