flashing sensation in peripheral vision from certain objects?

[joseph]

I am currently seeking medical attention from an ophthalmologist and in the future I will see other doctors to rule out conditions that may not be exclusive to the eyes. I had an eye infection in the early part of this year that has since been treated. My eyes, however, have never quite been the same; they are more dry, and even gritty at times. They appear more red than they used to as a result, although most of the time it wouldn't be apparent to someone other than myself looking in the mirror. After a shower, they look normal for a short time. I wake up with dry eyes every morning, which I solve applying lubricating eye drops every time I wake up. Some mornings, there are traces of crusts around my eyelashes. Two areas concern me the most. First, my eyelashes seem to face more downward than they used to, and I have a constant habit of pulling on them to remove ones that might be irritating my eyes. They are not in rows that bow outward like healthy eyelashes do. They appear to come straight out, at times almost inward, and they are sort of 'all over the place.' Second, certain complex patterns in in my peripheral create a flashing sensation. An example would be a folder with symmetrical colored dots. It appears normal when I look directly at it, but in the corner of my vision, it is as though it flashes slightly. I have an astigmatism, and have not worn my contacts in over five months. I have been to two different eye doctors about three months ago, who told my my eyes were only dry. Does anyone have any information for me? Please, I am worried for my vision.