Why do I have a small blind spot only on my left eye?

Q. I have a small blind spot on my left eye with photopsia. Kindly help.

Answered by
Dr. Prashant Koranmath
and medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini. J
This is a premium question & answer published on Jan 26, 2021 and last reviewed on: Aug 02, 2023

Hi doctor,

I am a 26-year-old male. I noticed a small blind spot in my left eye last month. It is located approximately at x: -2.5. y: 6 on an Amsler grid. It is relatively small, just small enough to make a cursor on my screen disappear, but also close enough to the center that I constantly notice it. The spot is not black or white, but instead, it blends with the colors around it, making it hard to see. I went to the ophthalmologist two days later, who assured me that nothing was visibly wrong with my eye. He looked at my retina through dilated pupils, measured my retina thickness, looked at the optic nerve, and measured my eye pressure, which was all fine amongst other tests. After that, I immediately went to the ER and got an MRI done, which luckily also came back fine. After a couple of days, I went to an ophthalmologist at the University Hospital to get a second opinion. They once again took all the tests, looked at the MRI pictures and could not tell me what is wrong. I also have photopsia, and I see some flashes of light a couple of times a day that fade after a few seconds to minutes. I have had this for a few years at least, on and off, but definitely a lot more lately. Since then, I have been very anxious that the spot gets bigger or that new spots develop. I keep checking my eyes for new spots every couple of hours, and it is driving me nuts. It has been stable, but it is hard to know because it is not easy to compare. The doctors have no clue what it could be. Has anybody heard of such a phenomenon? I have moderate astigmatism (-5 on both eyes) in case that makes a difference.

#

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Since you are complaining about a blind spot, we have to do eye tests (Glaucoma workup). The examination has to be done to know what it is. It includes vision, refraction, slit-lamp examination, gonioscopy, field test (Perimetry), OCT scan, and retina evaluation. You should consult a local Ophthalmologist for examination. Since retinal thickness and other scans are fine, there should not be any worries. Flashes and photopsia may be due to the following reason. There is a jelly like substance in the eye called Vitreous, and as age progresses, it starts to liquefy, and you start seeing floaters, or it also happens in high myopes or if the jelly is getting detached. You should go to an Ophthalmologist immediately if there is an increase in the number of these floaters. Or if you see flashes of light because these are the signs of retinal detachment. Get your retina checked once more.


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
My eyes are itchy and red even after using eye drops. Why?

.. probably suffering from conjunctivitis, which is not related to your iPad usage. It will take a week or so for the episode to settle down, and some blurring and stickiness may persist till then. Do not worry.   Read full

Can glaucoma and cataract be operated at the same time?

.. all reports carefully (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Your doctor has correctly said that it is an advanced form of glaucoma. The treatment depends on the type of glaucoma, either open-angle glaucoma or closed angle glaucoma.   Read full

The mass in my occipital area is getting bigger, and I have a headache. What to do?

.. can be both possibilities that this pain is related to eye or the mass. But as you mentioned that it’s growing bigger now so first of all I would suggest that you should go for incision and drainage.   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask an Eye Care Ophthalmologist Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.