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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 the corner of 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?

Don't worry - this is a common phenomenon that most people experience in their lifetime. 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.

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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.

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.

eye doctor helping patient with flashing lights in eyes

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

Three Types of Tears and What They’re Made Of

Tears are more an emotional response; they are a fundamental part of your eyes' health and function. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate world of tears, explore their multifaceted nature and the vital role they play in maintaining optimal ocular health.

What are Tears Made Of?

Tears are a blend of various components, each serving a unique purpose to help keep your eyes healthy and functional.  Tears consist of three primary parts:

Mucus

  • Provides a sticky base that helps tears adhere to the surface of the eye.
  • Aids in spreading tears evenly over the eye's surface, ensuring proper lubrication and hydration.
  • Facilitates the binding of tears to the underlying epithelial cells, promoting eye comfort and clarity.

Water

  • Constitutes the bulk of tears, providing hydration to the eye surface and washing away debris and foreign particles.
  • Helps maintain the pH balance of tears, ensuring optimal conditions for ocular health.
  • Essential for maintaining the transparency of the cornea and facilitating clear vision.

Lipid

A lipid is a fatty, oily, or waxy compound that is insoluble in water. In tears, they:

  • Form a thin outer layer that helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
  • Help maintain the stability of the tear film, reducing tear evaporation and promoting longer-lasting lubrication.
  • Enhance tear film integrity, protecting the eye from environmental factors such as wind, dust, and dry air.

What Are The 3 Types of Tears?

Tears serve a variety of purposes, and different types of tears are produced in response to specific stimuli or needs. The three primary types of tears are:

Basal Tears

Basal tears are always being produced to keep the eye moist and lubricated. These tears are essential for maintaining the health and integrity of the ocular surface. Basal tears also help protect the eye from debris and foreign particles, ensuring clear vision and comfort.

Emotional Tears

Emotional tears are triggered by strong emotions such as sadness, joy, or stress. These tears contain higher levels of stress hormones and natural painkillers, which may contribute to the cathartic effect often associated with crying. Emotional tears serve as a form of emotional expression and can help alleviate emotional distress.

Reflex Tears

Reflex tears are created in response to external stimuli or debris, such as makeup, smoke, dust, or onions. These tears help flush out irritants and protect the eyes from potential harm. Reflex tears are typically more watery than basal tears and serve as a rapid defense mechanism to maintain ocular health and comfort.

How Are Tears Made? Dry Eye Treatment Options at Specialty Eye Institute

Tears are produced by a complex process involving various glands located around the eyes. Here's a breakdown of how tears are made:

Lacrimal Glands

  • Located above each eye.
  • Release the watery component of tears in response to emotional or environmental stimuli.

Accessory Lacrimal Glands

  • Found in the eyelids and conjunctiva.
  • Contribute mucus to tears, enhancing their viscosity and adherence to the ocular surface.

Meibomian Glands

  • Situated along the eyelid margins.
  • Produce lipid components that help stabilize the tear film and reduce tear evaporation.

All of these glands work together in a coordinated manner to produce a precise balance of water, mucus, and lipid components that comprise tears.

The combined efforts of these glands ensure the continuous production and distribution of tears.

What Causes Dry Eyes If Tears Are Always Being Made?

Dry eyes can occur when there is a disruption in the production or quality of tears, leading to inadequate lubrication of the eyes. Several factors can contribute to this condition:

  • Age: As we get older, tear production tends to decrease, leading to dry eyes.
  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry or windy climates, smoke, air conditioning, and heating can all contribute to dry eyes.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome), diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect tear production.
  • Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapies, can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
  • Eyestrain: Prolonged use of digital screens, reading, or driving can lead to decreased blinking and contribute to dry eyes.
  • Eyelid Problems: Conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or meibomian gland dysfunction can affect the quality of the tear film.

Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of dry eyes is crucial for managing this condition and maintaining ocular comfort and health.

When to See a Doctor for Dry Eyes

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms of dry eyes, it's advisable to consult an eye care professional. Additionally, if over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes do not alleviate your symptoms, or if you notice changes in your vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty performing daily tasks, seeking medical attention is essential.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medications that may contribute to dry eyes, discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider can help ensure appropriate management and treatment. Early intervention can prevent potential complications and improve your overall eye health and comfort.

If dry eye symptoms persist, worsen, or begin affecting your vision or daily life, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional like the dry eye experts at Specialty Eye Institute to get the right treatment and protect your long-term eye health.

What Causes Watery Eyes?

Watery eyes, or epiphora, can result from various factors such as eye irritation, inflammation, blocked tear ducts, eye infections, or eyelid abnormalities.

Excessive tear production is often a response to these issues, leading to watery eyes.

Watery Eye Symptoms

  • Excessive tearing or watery discharge from the eyes
  • Blurred vision due to excessive tearing
  • Irritation or discomfort in the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Redness and inflammation of the eyes
  • Crusting or sticky discharge around the eyes, especially upon waking
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
  • Feeling like there's something gritty or foreign in the eye
  • Occasional or frequent blinking to clear tears from the eyes
  • Difficulty keeping the eyes open for extended periods due to excessive tearing

When to See a Doctor for Watery Eyes

If you experience persistent or bothersome symptoms of watery eyes, it's advisable to consult an eye care professional. Additionally, if watery eyes are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as eye pain, redness, vision changes, or discharge, seeking medical attention is essential.

Furthermore, if over-the-counter remedies or home care measures do not alleviate your symptoms, or if you have a pre-existing eye condition, consulting a doctor is recommended. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of watery eyes and determine the appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve eye health.

Schedule an Appointment with Specialty Eye Institute

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, such as dry eyes, watery eyes, or discomfort, it's essential to seek professional help. Contact Specialty Eye Institute today to schedule an appointment and receive personalized care and treatment tailored to your eye health needs.

Don't wait any longer to address your eye concerns. Let SEI doctors help you maintain optimal eye health and vision.

Filed Under: Blog

How to Relieve Itchy Eyes from Allergies

5 Tips on How to Relieve Itching Eyes from Allergies

How to Relieve Itchy Eyes from Allergies

If you’re suffering from eye allergies, you’re not alone. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans deals with the annoyance of eye allergies, or ocular allergies also known as allergic conjunctivitis. While the symptoms caused by eye allergies can be bothersome, they rarely present a permanent threat to good eyesight. You can almost always find how to relieve itchy eyes quickly when you take the right steps.

However, it’s important to note that itching, redness, burning sensations and puffiness can also be signs of infection. In cases of infection, see your doctor if the symptoms don’t improve with time or with treatment such as over-the-counter remedies.

If you think you may have eye allergies, here are some helpful tips on how to get relief from your red, itchy, and watery eyes.

Allergies Cause Itchy Eyes

1.) Avoiding Allergens

Keep an eye on pollen count forecasts. If the count is going to be high, consider staying indoors. A remedy to relieve itching eyes is to replace the filters in your air conditioner and/or furnace. This will help trap allergens while creating a more comfortable environment.

2.) Use a Cold Compress

While rubbing itchy eyes may feel natural, the contact with the eyes will release more histamine and aggravate the symptoms. In other words, rubbing itchy eyes may make the problem worse. You can relieve itchy eyes by using a cold-water compress placed over your closed eyes. This will help relieve the itchy sensation while also preventing you from rubbing your eyes. A cold-water compress isn't only an easy solution, but it's also the first natural remedy for itchy eyes you should try.

3.) Remove Your Contacts

Did you know that the surface of contact lenses can attract and accumulate airborne allergens? If you are looking for ways to find relief for itchy or irritated eyes, you may want to consider wearing glasses during the allergy season. Also, consider switching to disposable lenses. This way, your contacts aren’t accumulating allergens for days.

Eyedrops For Itchy Eye Relief

4.) Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Your local pharmacy has many types of over-the-counter saline eye drops and remedies that may provide relief for your red, watery, and itchy eyes. This approach isn’t only convenient, but also budget-friendly. Your doctor can help you find the best saline eye drop brand for your symptoms.

5.) Prescription Medications

If eye drops are not providing itchy eye relief for moderate to severe, symptoms, it may be a good time to talk to your doctor about what prescription options are available. If your itchy eyes are from allergies, prescription antihistamines may help relieve your symptoms.

Ophthalmologist

How Long Do Itchy Eyes Last?

If your itchy eyes are from allergies, your symptoms can last through the pollen season. That can be anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

Eye Care Solutions

If you need assistance with itchy eyes, or have a vision or an eye problem, give our staff of ophthalmologists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to book an appointment. We offer eye care solutions to clients such as LASIK eye surgery, glaucoma treatments, cataract surgery, macular degeneration treatments, and presbyopia surgery. Our staff is committed to offering new and innovative treatments to patients.

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Filed Under: Blog

How to Use Your HSA, FSA, & Insurance Benefits On Your Vision

How to Use Your HSA, FSA, & Insurance Benefits On Your Vision

Instead of waiting to improve your health, spend your HSA, FSA, and deductible on correcting your gift of vision and improving your health now. Investing in your health will help improve your life. While a majority of your goals may be related to your diet or exercise, it can be easy to forget how your vision impacts your health and quality of life.

Your eyesight is one of the most important biological assets in your possession, yet this gift is often the last on the list for scheduled maintenance. This is common because many insurance plans do not cover yearly eye exams, preventative diagnostics, and devices like glasses and contact lenses.

What is an HSA?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an account that allows you to set aside money without taxation for preventative healthcare costs such as premiums, co-pays, and medical expenses not covered by your regular insurance or prescription plans.

Many patients use their HSA plans to pay for necessary annual preventative care such as dental exams, elective procedures, vision care, and corrective procedures.

What is an FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an account that you can create for various healthcare-related expenses, including your deductible. This account is non-taxable by the government and depending on your employer, they may match your monthly contribution to your FSA account or offer reimbursement for certain vision expenses associated with this account.

Ophthalmologist

FSA and HSA Compatible Expenses

When considering the best way to spend your end-of-year FSA and HSA balance, instead of paying for expected co-pays and deductibles, consider spending your balance on FSA-approved vision expenses.

1. Eye Exams

Preventative eye exams are the key to diagnosing infections and progressive diseases, such as macular degeneration, which can cause irreversible blindness.

Despite these risks, some insurance plans do not cover annual eye exams. Treat your eyes well this winter and use your FSA and HSA balances to visit your ophthalmologist.

2. Eyeglasses and Contact Lens

Even if your annual eye exam is covered in your insurance plan, necessities like eyeglasses and corrective lenses are often only partially covered.

Correcting your vision is important to daily functions, and these necessary adaptive devices are included in the compatible expenses list for both FSA and HSA accounts.

3. Corrective Eye surgery

While many eye surgeries are classified as elective procedures and not covered under most insurance plans, procedures like eye surgery help many people see clearly and can make lasting improvements to your quality of life.

Rather than spending money on glasses and contact lenses each year, consider a one-time surgery that can correct your vision, so you will never have to purchase corrective devices again.

Ophthalmologist

Your Vision is Important – Don’t Wait

Regardless of your vision needs, if you have money in your FSA or HSA, now is the time to spend it! Invest in your health. Our team of ophthalmologists in Ann Arbor, MI, and other areas offer various types of eye care solutions such as cataract eye surgery, macular degeneration treatments, LASIK eye surgery for hyperopia, retinal detachment surgery, and astigmatism treatments.  Our doctors provide treatments that can help you see better and ensure your eyes are healthy. We put our patients first. So, don’t wait, schedule your appointment today. Your vision may depend on it.

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6 Ways to Maintain Healthy Vision

Keeping your eyes healthy is critical for your day-to-day safety as you maneuver around, interact with others, and communicate. Millions of Americans are living with visual impairment, and even more are susceptible for preventable eye diseases and injuries. Below are six things you should be doing now to maintain healthy vision as you age.

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  1. Reduce Time Spent Staring at a Computer or Tablet: A study from the Vision Council revealed that 68% of millennials suffer from digital eyestrain, which can develop into Computer Vision syndrome (CVS). Technology’s infiltration into our daily activities is unavoidable, but you still need to be mindful of time spent staring at screen by taking 20-minute breaks every couple hours. Dr. Clint Simpson of TLC Eyecare & Laser Centers recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: during those 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjusting your workstation so the top of the screen is about 4 to 5 inches below eye level also helps.
  2. Quit Smoking: Smoking’s consequences are generally associated with cancer and heart disease, but it also affects your vision. The risk of developing age-related cataracts, optic nerve damage and macular degeneration all drastically increase by smoking.
  3. Take Out Contacts: Leaving your contact lenses in while you sleep deprives your cornea from getting the oxygen it needs from the outside air. Keeping contacts in all the time is like breathing through a mask. Lack of oxygen results in your eyes growing blood vessels where they don’t belong. This has negative effects on your vision. Remember to always wash your hands when placing and removing your contacts and replace them as often as you replace your toothbrush.
  4.  Use Safety Glasses/Goggles: Whether working on a home project, doing yard work, or performing a repair on your car, you need to be protecting your eyes. Dust, debris, chemicals and metal shavings are common things that can get into the eyes and elicit damage. Whenever working on anything that might propel objects into the air, wear safety glasses or goggles.
  5. Wear Sunglasses: The general rule here is if you are putting on sunscreen, you should be wearing sunglasses as well. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV light, which has shown increases in the development of pterygium and cataracts. Make sure the glasses block 99-100% of both kinds of UV light, UVA and UVB.
  6. See an Eye Doctor: Every 2-3 years you should have a dilated eye exam. After age 45, it should be every 1-2 year(s) in order to screen for glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. For children, a baseline eye screening should be conducted no later than 2 years of age. You should always consult with a professional and not rely on a self-diagnosis with an assist from WebMD. The best way to maintain healthy vision is with regular eye exams.

Protecting your vision starts with simple, everyday habits that make a big difference. From taking regular screen breaks and wearing UV-blocking sunglasses to using proper safety eyewear and scheduling routine eye exams, these proactive steps help you maintain clear, healthy vision for years to come.

Don’t wait until problems arise. Take control of your eye health today and schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Specialty Eye Institute to keep your eyes seeing their best!

RELATED CONTENT: Glaucoma Mini Series

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