Introduction
Some people can see sudden flashes of light even without any light source. It may look like sparkles or patterns resembling lightning bolts. When people see light flashes, they frequently compare them to shooting stars or lightning streaks. Flashes of light in the vision come from inside the eye. External factors like lights do not bring them on. Flashing lights in the eyes could be a sign of various medical issues. The underlying cause will determine the course of treatment, but consulting an eye doctor as soon as possible is necessary.
What Are Flashes of Light?
A medical condition or injury to the eye may cause bright flashes in the corner of the eye. These flashes are known medically as photopsia and often happen when changes occur inside the eye. The thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that receives light is called the retina. It evaluates the light passing through the lens to transmit signals to the brain through the optic nerve. The retina, which is the light-sensitive lining of the eye, is pulled on when the vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks or changes, which is how most flashes occur. The vitreous body, a gel between the lens and retina, preserves the structure of the eye and safeguards the retina.
Usually, flashes of light appear and disappear rapidly. Periodic flashes are generally asymptomatic and may occur more frequently as people age. Additionally, injuries to the eyes or over-rubbing of the eyes can cause bright flashes. Physical pressure on the retina is what causes the flashes in both situations. Any patches, lines, or bright spots that arise and remain for a while could indicate a migraine aura or another health condition.
Rays of light or halos that you may notice near lamps, headlights, or streetlights could indicate a cataract, an aftereffect of refractive surgery, or an intraocular lens (IOL). But frequent flashes of light are experienced suddenly. In that case, this may represent a major issue, particularly if an individual has changes in their vision or foggy floaters characterized by dark or gray patches that move back and forth in the field of vision.
What Are the Causes of the Flash of Light in the Eye?
Both eye-related issues and general medical conditions often cause a flash of light in the eyes:
Retinal Detachment - When the retina is pulled by the vitreous gel so forcefully that it tears or injures the retina, causing the retina to separate from the back of the eye. This injury can disrupt the information flow from the retina to the brain. The brain sees the damage as a bright flash of light. The abrupt appearance of sparkles, stars, or flashes, impaired vision, loss of peripheral vision, and a curtain or shadow over the vision are all signs of retinal detachment. This is a medical emergency since there is a greater danger of permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) - One of the most frequent causes of eye flashes is posterior vitreous detachment, which happens when the vitreous separates or pulls away from the retina. The gel-like substance known as the vitreous or vitreous humor sits between the lens and the retina and aids in maintaining the structure of the eye. Eye flashes may result from the vitreous beginning to detach from the eye as a person ages. The mild and occasional symptoms include dark patches that float and light flashes. Treatment is typically not necessary for this condition.
Injury to the Eye - Physical force directed at the retina by an eye injury may result in eye flashes. A blow to the eye may result in eye damage. Eye flashes can also result from applying additional force to the eyes, such as coughing too firmly or wiping them too vigorously.
Diabetic Retinopathy - Diabetic retinopathy is the term used to describe the damage that diabetes causes to blood vessels, including those in the retina. Leaking blood from the vessels can result in retinal scarring, which can tug on the retina and cause blurry or foggy vision, retinal detachment, and light flashes.
Hemorrhage - Every cell in the body, including those in the eyes, depends on blood. If a tiny blood vessel in the eyes bursts, blood may leak into the area behind the retina, which may cause retinal detachment and a flash of light. Slurred speech, headaches, numbness, and weakness are some other symptoms of hemorrhage.
Migraine - A migraine is a medical condition mostly characterized by intense headaches. A migraine, especially one with an aura, can cause visual abnormalities like eye flashes. Retinal or ocular migraines can also bring on visual abnormalities like eye flashes. This happens due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes various perception-related changes, such as light flashes. Severe cases may result in temporary blindness as part of the vision abnormalities.
Stickler Syndrome - Stickler Syndrome is a genetic connective tissue condition that may result in eye flashes because of retinal detachment. It may also lead to vision problems, including retinal detachment and nearsightedness.
When to Consult a Doctor for a Flash of Light?
If a sudden increase in eye flashes and floaters is experienced, it may be a warning for a retinal tear or any other eye issues, for which consulting an eye doctor is a must. If any of the following conditions are present it is necessary to visit a specialist:
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Blurred vision
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Eyesight becoming darker.
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Loss of vision.
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Lightheadedness.
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Damage to the eyes.
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Vision changes.
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Frequently occurring ocular migraines.
What Is the Treatment for the Flash of Light in the Eyes?
Light flashes in the eyes usually indicate an eye problem or another medical disease. Sometimes, occurring light bursts do not need medical attention. However, an ophthalmologist examination is necessary if frequent light flashes are experienced. A thorough eye examination that includes retinal fundoscopy and pupil dilation can assist in determining the cause of the flashes. The underlying cause will determine the course of treatment. The treatment options are:
For a detached retina, surgical retina reattachment is one possible treatment.
For diabetic retinopathy scarring, the treatment options include laser therapy to treat newly formed blood vessels, corneal surgery to remove scars, and eye injections to prevent new blood vessels from growing.
Laser repair or cryotherapy (freezing treatment) may be used for minor retinal tears or holes.
If a flash of light is due to an underlying medical condition, proper treatment helps in treating the condition.
Conclusion
Many individuals can experience flashes of light in their eyes. Generally, they are harmless. But if they occur suddenly and persist for a long time, a specialist consultation is necessary to rule out the cause. Certain eye conditions or medical conditions may be the cause. Proper treatment is required, or it can even lead to vision loss.
