Eye Issues - Anyone with good info on retinal detachment?

[ams]

Hi everyone, first time poster. This site has been a lot of help to me, as Ive had a few issues with health related anxiety lately. After being stressed out about work, school, and movig, I think my defenses were down, and some muscle twitching and fatigue sent me into ALS/MS anxiety (as well as a return of cardio worries when my AS fears subsided). I ended up finding out that I have high arches, and that's likely part of my problem. Of course, high arches can be caused by a neurological issue, but high arches run in the family, so I'm not too worried about it...

But, recently, I've also had some eye issues, and while it seems as though they may be related to my anxiety, but I wanted to ask here... I've had floaters for a long time, and some little sparkly flasher type guys off and on for a while (at least a few years). What's worrying me now is that, over the past few weeks, I've noticed what seems to be more flashing, usually in the periphery of my vision. They're not frequent or intense (often, I'm not 100% sure they've happened, or if my eyes are playing tricks on me), and haven't been accompanied by increased floaters or any spots/curtains/etc in my vision. It seems odd, but they seem to happen most often right as I blink, but not always. I've read up on the vision topics on this board, but had some specific questions...I have an appt for an eye exam next week, but need some reassurance before then, since I'm going out of town for the weekend, and after my other health anxiety, my girlfriend might kill me if I ruin this trip.

-how intense would these flashes be if my retina was actually detaching?

-I've had good and bad days, and the flashes aren't constant, and haven't worsened objectively over the week or more they've been happening. Wouldn't retinal detachment mean a more severe deterioration over a week or so or more constant flashes (more than a few times a day at most)?

Sory for the long email and thanks for any help that anyone can offer. I'm somewhat convinced that this is at least partially anxiety based, since when I've been relaxed (or worrying about other issues) it seems to lessen. And since I have an appt next week, as long as my retina isn't detaching now, I figure I'm fine. I'm just a little worried, since I'll be on a trip all weekend...

Thanks,
Adam

[sheba2]

hi there,

I'm not sure I'm going to be much help but my mother in law had a detaching retina a few years ago. She woke up with it and couldn't see much at all from one eye. She was operated on within a couple of days by which time she couldn't really see at all from that eye. This must have been about 8-10 years ago maybe more and her sight has been fine since. From what you say your symptoms sound very likely to be anxiety related but I'm sure that your eye test will put yur mind at rest. If yu are really worried and can get to see a gp before the weekend then they would be able to check for detaching retina. Hope you have a great weekend.

[WDWFan]

I've had operations and laser surgery on my eyes for retinal degeneration, which is similar and the symptoms i had was a mass of floaters and some flashing lights, but it was the floaters that gave me the most grief, and the specialist said it all could have been caused by stress and anxiety, but i think a detached retina is more likely to be caused by a knock to the head, thats why boxers get them, and obviously old age, and the symptoms would be worse, like someone closing a curtain in your vision, also i think a lot of people have these floaters in general, and your flashing lights could be caused by anxiety, and i know for a fact the more you think about them the worse they will get.
Hope i've helped in some way.

All the best
Gary

[ams]

Well, I had my exam today...retina looks normal, no signs of tears or detachment.

Of course, this afternoon, I noticed (as I have a few times in the past) a difference in how my eyes were seeing color, namely reds and yellows. I had freaked myself out in the past thinking about optic neuritis, and realized I had neglected to mention this to the Dr. I called, and explained my concerns to him, but he said he had looked at my optic nerve, and didn't see anything out of the ordinary, and no signs of nerve damage. That was good to hear, but knowing that optic neuritis can sometimes evade an exam of the optic nerve, I'm still a little nervous. Apparenty, my pupils dilated/constricted properly as well, so I think I'm just crazy, but I can't help but feel, just a little, as though there's something going on...

Boy, do I hate having problems even after the dr. says it all looks good.

Ugh.

Adam

[Alisonj]

I have problems with flashing lights at times too, It scares me alot. Some days are worse than others. They say my eyes are fine and I have had a CAT scan and my brain is fine so I guess it isnt anything to serious, I still worry of course!