What Are Eye Flashes? Unveiling the Causes and Concerns
Have you ever noticed the appearance of flashes of light in your vision at different times throughout the day? Most people do at some point in their lives. Generally a harmless part of aging, flashes can sometimes signal more serious, underlying concerns, like retinal tears or detachment. Here’s what all patients should know about eye flashes.
Typical Appearances of Eye Flashes
Generally, eye flashes appear to be white or sparkly bursts of light, although they can sometimes be colorful. They can occur in one or both eyes, either alone or alongside eye floaters. They may show up in your field of vision in the early morning, fading as the day goes on. Or, you might see them while in a dark room or at night. You may also experience them when moving your head or eyes a certain way. Flashes can take on several different shapes and sizes, including:
- Zig-zag lines
- Jagged lightning streaks
- Brief pops, like flashbulbs going off
- Sparks or flickering lights
- Spinning flashes
- Thick lines or spots
- White snow or fuzz
Eye Flashes, PVD, and Retinal Detachment
With flashes, the main cause is a common condition of aging called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). PVD affects the clear, gel-like substance of the eye called the vitreous, causing it to diminish and shrink away. However, if the vitreous is “stuck” to the retina, it can gently tug the retina as it shrinks away, which can cause tiny flashes of light to seep through. For some patients, PVD can lead to retinal tears or a tractional retinal detachment, in which the retina is pulled from its proper position along the back wall of the eye. A medical emergency, retinal detachments can cause permanent vision loss if not addressed immediately.
Besides retinal tears and detachment, eye flashes may indicate other conditions and issues, including:
- Optic neuritis – inflammation of the optic nerve
- Retinitis pigmentosa – a genetic disease in which the retinal cells gradually break down over time
- Eye trauma
- Retinal hemorrhage (heavy bleeding)
When To Be Concerned About Flashes
Flashes may also be confused with other vision changes, like large spots in your vision. As such, they may signal other medical conditions, including macular degeneration, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes. It’s important to monitor your vision for flashes and alert your ophthalmologist, especially with any of these symptoms:
- A large number of flashes
- Flashes that suddenly multiply and/or burst
- Seeing repetitive light flashes
- Visual distortions
- Having a dark area or “curtain” in your field of vision
- Seeing flashes after an eye injury
As flashes may indicate more serious, underlying conditions or be mistaken for other disorders, fast diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If you are experiencing eye flashes and want to schedule an appointment with a retina specialist in the Greater Kansas City area, we encourage you to Retina Associates, LLC today. If you are experiencing a retina-related emergency, please call us at 913-831-7400.