Flashes of Light

Dr. Katia Taba, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Retinal Specialist

Flashes of light are pinpricks or spots of light that you see in your field of vision. People often say seeing flashes of light is like seeing “shooting stars” or “lightning streaks.” Flashes of light in your vision come from inside your eye. They are not caused by lights or anything else outside of your body.

Most flashes happen when the vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks or changes, pulling on the retina (the light sensitive lining of the eye). Flashes of light can also happen if you’re hit in the eye or rub your eyes too hard. In both cases, the flashes are caused by physical force on the retina.

Flashes of light usually appear and then fade quickly. In contrast, bright spots, lines or patches that appear and stay in place for a period of time may be migraine aura or a symptom of another condition. Migraine aura may look like shimmering jagged lines or appear wavy, like heat waves. Migraine aura can appear even if you do not get any headache.

Light rays that you may see around lamps, headlights or streetlights may be a symptom of cataract or an effect from an intraocular lens (IOL) or refractive surgery.

Many people will see occasional flashes of light, especially as they age. These occasional flashes are usually harmless, but you should discuss them with your ophthalmologist during an eye exam. However, if you suddenly start seeing repeated flashes of light, this could be a serious problem, especially if you also have cloudy floaters or vision changes.

Call your doctor right away if:
• You suddenly start seeing flashes when you haven’t before.
• You have a sudden increase in flashes of light.
• You see flashes of light along with cloudiness or dark spots in your vision.
• You see a dark area or ‘curtain’ across your vision.
• You see flashes of light after being hit in the eye or face.

Suddenly seeing new floaters and flashes could mean your retina has torn or detached. This is a very serious condition that your ophthalmologist must treat quickly to prevent blindness.

There is no treatment for occasional flashes of light caused by vitreous changes from aging. Occasional flashes do not cause any damage and most people get used to them after a little while. If you’re seeing a lot of flashes of light, treatment of the underlying condition will usually reduce the number of flashes you see.

These conditions can cause flashes of light:
• Choroidal Neovascular Membranes
• Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
• Detached and Torn Retina
• Histoplasmosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Migraine
• Posterior Vitreous Detachment
• Stickler Syndrome
• Vitreomacular Traction

Other symptoms that may seem like flashes of light include:
• Distorted vision (with migraine)
• Halos around lights
• Starbursts around lights

The symptoms and possible related eye conditions/diseases in this section are for general reference only, and do not contain all visual symptoms or all possible related conditions or diseases. If you have any unusual vision symptoms, speak with your ophthalmologist.

It’s important to remember that many people do not know they have eye disease because there are often no warning signs or symptoms, or they assume that poor sight is a natural part of growing older. Early detection and treatment of eye problems is the best way to keep your healthy vision throughout your life. In many cases, blindness and vision loss are preventable.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40. For individuals at any age with symptoms of or at risk for eye disease, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that individuals see their ophthalmologist to determine how frequently their eye should be examined.

If you are experiencing any changes in your eye health, whether it is blurry vision, pain, impaired vision, or any other visual irregularities, you should see an ophthalmologist right away. The earlier a disease is detected, the better the outcome and treatment options are for you. You will find a friendly and warm environment at Personalized Retina Care of Naples. Please call (239) 325-3970 today to schedule your eye exam. When necessary same day appointments can often be accommodated.

Personalized Retina Care of Naples provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for retinal disorders. Dr. Taba also gives second opinions on retinal and general eye conditions. Dr. Taba is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and is Fellowship trained in surgical and medical retinal diseases.

 

Personalized Retina Care of Naples
www.retinanaples.com | 239-325-3970

3467 Pine Ridge Rd., Suite 103, Naples 34109

Source:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/symptoms/flashes-of-light