Are flashes of light in my vision a sign that my intraocular lens is failing?
JUL 02, 2014
Question:
I had lens implants in both eyes in the mid-1990s due to taking Prednisone. Now I think one of them is failing. I'm seeing little flashes of light in my peripheral vision that are circular just like the lens. I've also noticed the eye aching from time to time. Do these lenses fail after a certain time and have to be replaced?
Answer:
Lens implants don't fail and don't need to be replaced. Rarely they can move and cause visual symptoms. However it is more likely that your symptoms are unrelated to your implants. You should definitely see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Flashes of light in the vision may represent a more ominous event such as a tear in the retina. This should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist, who will check your retina with a dilated eye examination.