Chronic sinusitis can put pressure on the optic nerve, which

causes blurry vision, double vision, blind spot, loss of peripheral vision, nausea, vomiting. Rarely it can cause optic neuritis or a mimicry of demyelinating optic neuritis. This can present with pain upon ocular movement, diminished vision, flashing or flickering lights with eye movement, loss of color saturation, visual field loss. Any of these symptoms might be present or absent e.g. pain isn’t always present. If you think you have eye troubles due to chronic sinusitis you should get medical attention for that right away.

Flashes of light can be due to problems with the retina, or can be normal over the age of 40 due to changes in the vitreous. Normal would be an occasional brief flash. Seeing frequent flashes warrants a trip to the eye doctor. Here are the conditions to seek immediate care for flashes:

• The flashes occur every day/many times per week
• You notice shadows in your peripheral (side) vision
• You notice the floaters and flashes are increasing in number
• You begin experiencing the sensation of a drawn curtain around your vision or limited field of vision

Flashes and floaters are associated with retinal detachment, which is very serious, can cause loss of vision within several hours or within several days.