light flashes

[lrfeld]

I am almost three months out from aortic valve replacemnt and ablation procedure to treat intermittent atrial fibrillation.

Before surgery I would on occassion (1-2X/day) have a light flash in one or the other eye lasting less than 2-3 seconds. It is not typical of migraine. Medical evaluation was negative.

Since surgery, this has been occurring multiple times per day. Again evaluation to date is negative and I am scheduled for an MRI & MRA next week.

I am interested in knowing if anyone else has had a similar experience. My surgery was at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Gillinov.

[William]

I've seen a lot of "stars", white spots streaking across the visual field since my OHS 9 months ago. Sometimes I get a zipzag abstract image on the side too. Some days have more than others. The Docs don't seem too concerned with this if there's no pain. Will

[geebee]

Visual "disturbances", often called ocular migraines, are very common after OHS. In addition, many people (including me) have had increased severity and frequency of regular migraines after OHS. These have all happened after each of my surgeries.

Some say it is connected to being on the pump, others feel it is additional matter floating around in the system after breaking off of the valve area during surgery. I do not know if these visual issues are common after any OHS or just VR surgeries.

If these visual disturbances are not followed by TIA symptoms or excessive pain, they are not usually considered anything but an annoyance. However, I think you are smart to rule out other possibilities.

Please let us know what you find out.

[savysmommy]

"Light flash" do you mean like stars? If so, I have been seeing stars since my surgery in June. Both my Cardiologist and Surgeon suggested getting my eyes checked. Neither thought it had anything to do with surgery.

So, last week I went in for my first eye exam. Eyes are perfect. He couldnt find any reason I would be seeing stars.

Its a mystery.. I think its deffinitly related to the surgery. I noticed mine with in a day or so after surgery. Never had them before.

Good luck with your MRI, keep us posted.

[nia]

I'm 1.5 years post op and still get those streaking stars, zig-zag expanding circles, and occasional blindspots. Had it checked with the cardiologist, neurologist, and two ophthalmologists. They all said ocular migrain. The neurologist told me that if those images are followed by stroke-like symptoms or severe headache, come to the hospital.

The streaking stars used to be mostly red or blue, but now, they're more yellow, and no blue. The zig-zag lines used to be technicolored, but seem to have gone all white now...

[Sherry]

I've had these for years before and after my surgery, but they've gotten more frequent since my surgery eight years ago. After numerous medical consults, the general consensus is that they are either migraine-related or from micro-emboli being thrown from the valve. After all these years, they seem benign, but I would agree with all the responses on the board: if there is pain or numbness, or really anything else unusual, go visit your doc pronto.

Also, try searching visual disturbances, and you'll come up with a number of threads devoted to this topic. Finally, if you go back into the reference section from a few months ago, you'll find a journal I posted regarding visual disturbances. It was written by a Cleveland Clinic neurologist.

[perkicar]

I had both flashing and temporary blindness right after I came home the 2nd time. It would come on quickly and then resolve after a few minutes. I think if I'd known then that they were microemboli it would have scared me alot more, but when they went away so quickly I was relieved. It was only in my right eye.

[TammyM]

I thought it was just me. I have had Ocular migraines for at least twenty years which last about 20-30 minutes with the flickering/flashing lights and bad blind spots. Since surgery (almost 6 weeks ago!!!), I have had about the same number of my normal ocular migraines, however, several times a day, I see the flickering in the bottom part of my eyes. It only lasts a few minutes and doesn't cause the blind spots. There is no doubt in my mind that it is surgery related!

[JohnnyV_46]

I've had plenty of Twinkly lights and blindness in one or the other eye from migraines...haven't had the new AV long enough to see if the frequency changes.....something else to look forward to tho!

[Georgia]

My visual disturbances and ocular migraines have decreased by at least 90% since I had surgery - I have them very rarely now and the duration is much shorter.

[ClickerTicker]

I'm 1.5 years post op and still get those streaking stars, zig-zag expanding circles...
Yes, I was wondering about my occasional bright zig-zag circles (great description). First I've heard about ocular migraines. Nice to know what it must be.
Doesn't happen to me very often, maybe once every couple of weeks. Thought at first it may have been associated with low blood pressure, but had ruled that out.
No other unusual eye problems apart from corneal deposits caused by amiodarone. :(

[tobagotwo]

My ocular (a.k.a. visual or atypical) migraines come and go, but with no greater frequency than before surgery. In fact, probably less.

They first showed up when my aortic stenosis first became detectable.

I have had Lasik surgery since, and they very carefully investigate your eyes for any foreign matter or tiny clots. I had none.

This is a very common sundrome with heart valve issues. ClickerTicker sounds like he is seeing classic "fortification" atypical migraine effects.

Best wishes,

[ClickerTicker]

This is a very common sundrome with heart valve issues. ClickerTicker sounds like he is seeing classic "fortification" atypical migraine effects.
Yup, this web site animation illustrates it perfectly (albeit in monochrome) http://www.migraine-aura.org/EN/Visual_Hallucinations.html
Thanks tobagotwo, good call!