Have you ever seen something moving in your peripheral vision, only to turn and find nothing there? This phenomenon is known as phantom vision or
visual hallucinations , and it can be a cause for concern. While it's not always a sign of a serious condition, it's important to understand the potential causes and seek medical attention if necessary.
Causes of Seeing Things That Aren't There in Peripheral Vision
There are several potential causes of phantom vision in peripheral vision, including:
* **Migraines:** Visual disturbances are a common symptom of migraines, and they can include seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines in your peripheral vision.
* **Retinal detachment:** This occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, causing visual disturbances like seeing floaters or flashes of light in your peripheral vision.
* **Macular degeneration:** This condition causes the center of your vision to deteriorate, which can lead to visual hallucinations in your peripheral vision.
* **Charles Bonnet syndrome:** This condition occurs in people with vision loss and can cause visual hallucinations in the peripheral vision.
Symptoms of Seeing Things That Aren't There in Peripheral Vision
In addition to seeing things that aren't there, other symptoms of phantom vision in peripheral vision can include:
* Flashes of light
* Zigzag lines
* Floaters
* Blurred vision
* Loss of vision
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention right away.
Treatment for Seeing Things That Aren't There in Peripheral Vision
The treatment for phantom vision in peripheral vision will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary, while in others, medication or surgery may be required. It's important to work with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
Book an Appointment with Statcare's Ophthalmology Team
If you're experiencing unusual visual symptoms like seeing things moving in your peripheral vision that aren't there, don't wait to seek medical attention. Book an appointment with Statcare's ophthalmology team today to get a comprehensive eye exam and personalized treatment plan. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing exceptional care and helping you achieve optimal eye health. Book an Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm experiencing visual hallucinations in my
peripheral vision?
If you're experiencing visual hallucinations in your peripheral vision, it's important to seek medical attention right away. Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist to get a comprehensive eye exam and determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
What are some common causes of visual hallucinations in peripheral vision?
Some common causes of visual hallucinations in peripheral vision include migraines, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and Charles Bonnet syndrome.
What is Charles Bonnet syndrome?
Charles Bonnet syndrome is a condition that occurs in people with vision loss. It can cause visual hallucinations in the peripheral vision, and it's thought to be the brain's way of filling in the gaps created by the loss of vision.
Is treatment necessary for visual hallucinations in peripheral vision?
The treatment for visual hallucinations in peripheral vision will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary, while in others, medication or surgery may be required. It's important to work with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
Can visual hallucinations in peripheral vision be a sign of a serious
condition?
While visual hallucinations in peripheral vision aren't always a sign of a serious condition, they can be. It's important to seek medical attention if you're experiencing any unusual visual symptoms to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment. Sources: National Eye Institute , American Academy of Ophthalmology