http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1338300/Seeing-squiggles-Flashing-lights-The-eye-danger-signs-afford-ignore.htmlCOLOURED LIGHTS
Kaleidoscope vision: This could be a warning of a migraine
Kaleidoscope vision: This could be a warning of a migraine
SYMPTOM: Like looking through a kaleidoscope with zig-zaggy lines.
CAUSE: All of us will see coloured spots if we stare at a bright object for long enough and then at a white wall. This is caused when the photosensitive cells on the retina are temporarily bleached and take a few seconds to adapt.
Your brain interprets this as different colours, says Neil Constantine-Smith, Specsavers optician. Flashing lights can also be an early warning for migraines.
'Flashing lights that last for 15 to 30 minutes are often symptomatic of ocular migraines, which are headaches that also cause coloured lights usually in both eyes,' he says.
'These flashing lights look like cracked glass or water running down over sparkling lights.'
TREATMENT: 'Once the flashing lights start you can prevent a fullblown migraine by taking painkillers, drinking water, upping your blood sugar with food and laying down in a quiet, dark room,' says Mr Constantine-Smith.
WHEN TO WORRY: 'If you stare at a n very bright light, such as the sun or a welding torch, for long enough, those images can burn into your retina, damaging your long- term sight , ' says Mr Constantine-Smith.
If the multi-coloured lights last for longer than 30 minutes, it could signify a detached retina.
'Unlike ocular migraines, these are almost always in one eye, so put a hand over one eye and see if it's the same on both sides,' he says. 'If it lasts for more than 30 minutes and affects only one eye, head to A&E - you may need surgery to re-attach the retina.'
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