Differential Diagnosis for Visual Blobs that Flash with Blinking

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Vitreous floaters: This condition is characterized by the presence of small, shadowy spots in the visual field, which can appear as blobs. They are more noticeable when looking at bright lights or plain backgrounds and can cause flashes of light, especially when blinking, due to the movement of the vitreous gel inside the eye.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Migraine aura: Some individuals experience visual auras before a migraine, which can include flashing lights or blobs. However, these are usually transient and may be accompanied by other migraine symptoms.
  • Ocular migraine: Similar to migraine aura, ocular migraines can cause flashing lights or blobs but are typically limited to one eye and can be accompanied by headache or other migraine symptoms.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses:
  • Retinal detachment: Although less common, a retinal detachment can cause sudden flashes of light and floating spots. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
  • Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): While often benign, PVD can cause sudden onset of floaters and flashes. It's crucial to rule out retinal detachment, as PVD can be a precursor to this condition.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Ocular tumors: Rarely, tumors within the eye can cause visual disturbances, including blobs or flashes. These would typically be accompanied by other symptoms such as vision loss or changes in the appearance of the eye.
  • Intraocular inflammation (Uveitis): Certain types of uveitis can cause visual symptoms including floaters and flashes, though these are usually accompanied by eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.