Flashes Of Light
Also known as Eye Flashes, Flashing Lights In Vision, Photopsia, Flashes And Floaters, Lightning Streaks In Vision
Bottom Line
New flashes of light can happen when the gel inside the eye tugs on the retina. Flashes with new floaters, a curtain, or vision loss need urgent eye care.
Flashes of light are brief sparks, streaks, or camera-flash sensations in your vision. Doctors call this photopsia 1.
A common cause is posterior vitreous detachment, when the eye's clear gel pulls away from the retina. That tug can cause flashes and floaters 2.
Most cases are not a retinal detachment. But new flashes with new floaters can signal a retinal tear, which can lead to detachment 3.
Common Causes
Flashes can come from the eye or the brain. The pattern helps your doctor decide how urgent the exam should be 1.
- Eye gel tugging. This is common with age and can cause brief side flashes.
- Retinal tear. This may come with new floaters or a shadow.
- Retinal detachment. This can cause a curtain or missing vision.
- Migraine aura. This often makes shimmering lights in both eyes.
When To Seek Care
Seek urgent eye care now for a curtain, sudden vision loss, injury, or flashes after eye surgery with pain or floaters. New flashes with many floaters need a same-day or next-day dilated retina exam.
Do not wait for pain. Retinal tears and detachments can be painless 4.
Common Questions About Flashes Of Light
Next Steps
- 1Seek urgent eye care now for a curtain, sudden vision loss, injury, or flashes after eye surgery.
- 2Book a same-day or next-day dilated retina exam for new flashes with many floaters.
- 3Write down whether flashes are in one eye or both eyes.
- 4Avoid driving yourself if a curtain, shadow, or sudden vision loss is present.
- 5Keep follow-up visits if the first exam shows a new gel separation.
Find specialists for Flashes Of Light
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Flashes Of Light.
Also relevant