HomeAnswersNeurologyneurological emergencyI have been having visual issues and see a lot of shapes after shutting my eyes. Why?

What could be the reason for having visual issues and seeing a lot of shapes after shutting the eyes?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At August 7, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 7, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been having neurological issues for years, but recently they have worsened. I have been having lots of visual issues, like feeling things look dim at times, feeling things look different, feeling spaced out, etc. I was diagnosed with migraines and FND (functional neurological disorder) about 18 months ago. Since then, I have been having more visual issues. I find it hard to go from light to dark and vice versa. I have lots of long-lasting after images if I look at lights. Another disturbing symptom is that at night, if I wake and then try to go back to sleep, I see a lot of 3-D shapes and sometimes vague pictures or lights when my eyes are shut. They are not there if I open them, but I am fully awake. Last night I went to ER (emergency room) as I suddenly had a bright line in the right visual field. It was like I had been staring at a strip of light for ages and could see it every time I blinked. It lasted for about 45 minutes. I also developed a headache. They said it was likely a migraine, but I never had that kind of light sensitivity before.

The blood tests and ECG(electrocardiography) are fine. I had a brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) two years back, and also a brain EEG (electroencephalogram), and both are fine. I am worried about what is going on. My doctor is not concerned. I have EDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), Sjogren's syndrome, and anxiety. I also suffer from depersonalization.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Visual symptoms are a common part of migraine syndrome. They may precede or follow headache episodes. Other possibilities include retinal disorders. Please do regular physical exercise for 20 minutes, yoga, and meditation for 20 minutes on a daily basis. Avoid oily, spicy food; drink plenty of water. Avoid using mobile phones at bedtime. Please do not worry since the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the brain was normal. Medicines like Flunarizine and Propranolol work well in low doses for such symptoms.

Take care.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Any ideas about the pictures that I see when I close my eyes? I also have tinnitus.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com

The pictures you see when you close your eyes also seem to be part of the same problem. It does not seem to be visual hallucinations, as per the description. However, it is difficult to confirm. Tinnitus may be an unrelated issue. Have you got your ear checkup done?

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Abhishek Juneja
Dr. Abhishek Juneja

Neurology

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