Light flashes in your vision can look like lightning streaks, bright spots, or shooting stars. They are not a condition on their own, but a symptom of something happening inside your eye.
Eye flashes are a symptom of something stimulating your retina, and causes may range from common eye changes to more serious health concerns. A comprehensive eye exam can help identify the reason you’re seeing them and protect your vision.
A Quick Look at Your Eye & Why Flashes Happen
To understand eye flashes, it helps to know a little about your eye’s anatomy. The back of your eye is lined with a thin, light-sensitive tissue called the retina. The retina’s job is to sense light and send signals to your brain, which turns them into the images you see.
The large, middle part of your eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous. The retina only communicates in one language, light. Anything that stimulates it, like a pull or a tug, can make your brain see a flash of light, even in a dark room.
As you age, the vitreous gel can shrink and pull on the retina. This friction can create the sparks of light you notice. Most of the time, this process is harmless.
Common Eye-Related Causes for Flashes
Several conditions related to your eye health can cause you to see flashes of light. Most are connected to changes in the vitreous gel or retina. These changes are often a natural part of getting older.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
This is a frequent reason for flashes, especially as people get older. It happens when the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina. If it separates quickly, it can create flashes in your peripheral vision, and you might also notice more eye floaters.
Retinal Tear or Detachment
Sometimes, when the vitreous pulls away, it tugs hard enough to tear the retina. Fluid can then get behind the tear and cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye. Repeated flashes that happen within seconds or hours of each other can be a sign of a retinal tear.
Pressure on the Retina
You may notice flashes if you put extra pressure on your eyes. This can happen from something as simple as rubbing your eyes or coughing very hard. An injury to your eye or head can also cause you to see “stars” due to pressure on the retina.
Other Health Conditions That Cause Eye Flashes
Flashes are not always caused by something inside your eye. Sometimes, they’re a sign of another health condition elsewhere in your body. It’s important to consider your overall health, as vision symptoms can sometimes offer a full picture of your well-being.
Migraine Aura
Visual disturbances are a common part of a migraine aura. Before or during a migraine headache, you might see flashing lights, zigzag lines, or bright dots. These symptoms usually last for less than an hour and resolve on their own.
Transient Ischemic Attacks
Known as a ministroke, a TIA temporarily restricts blood flow to the brain. This can cause visual problems, including flashes of light in one or both eyes. These symptoms serve as an important warning sign for your health.
Other Conditions & Medications
A few other issues can lead to eye flashes. Some medications have vision-related side effects, and certain health conditions can also be the cause. These may include:
- Diabetes—which can lead to diabetic retinopathy
- Occipital epilepsy—a seizure that originates in the brain’s occipital lobe
- Tumors in the eye or brain
When You Should Worry About Eye Flashes
While many flashes are harmless, some are signals that you need to seek care promptly. Pay attention to how often they happen and if they come with other symptoms. Your awareness can help protect your sight.
Signs That Need Immediate Attention
You should seek urgent eye care right away if you experience flashes along with any of these symptoms:
- A sudden increase in the number of flashes you see
- Many new floaters appearing all at once
- A shadow or dark curtain that blocks part of your vision
- Blurred vision or partial vision loss
- Dizziness or weakness on one side of your body
When to Schedule an Eye Appointment
It’s a good idea to make an appointment with an eye doctor if you:
- Notice new flashes for the first time
- See an increase in the size or number of floaters
- Experience any sudden change in your vision
Your eye doctor can find the source of the flashes and determine what to do next.
Your Comprehensive Eye Exam
To find the cause of your flashes, your optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam. This usually involves dilating your pupils with eye drops to get a clear view of your retina and vitreous. Because dilation can temporarily affect your vision, it is helpful to arrange transportation beforehand.
It’s important to describe what the flashes look like, how often you see them, and any other vision changes you’ve noticed.
Treatment Depends on the Cause
How flashes are treated depends entirely on their cause. If they are caused by age-related changes to the vitreous, no treatment may be needed. However, if the exam reveals a more serious issue like a retinal tear, your doctor will discuss next steps to protect your vision.
Your vision is an important part of your life, and any new symptom deserves attention. Seeing flashes of light can be unsettling, but finding the cause is the first step toward peace of mind. Regular eye care helps you stay on top of your eye health.
Visit an Eye Doctor Today
At Total Vision Pleasanton, we are here to support your healthy eyes and clear vision. If you’re experiencing eye flashes or any other changes in your sight, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. Let’s work together to understand what’s happening and keep your eyes healthy.
