Flashes in vision can be symptoms of various medical conditions or eye problems. Although they can appear at any time, many people report that they increase at night, which can help determine the cause. Some common causes of flashes in vision include:
- Migraine with aura: Some people experience flashes of light or flickering lights before a migraine episode begins. These flashes may be accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light.
- Retinal detachment: Retinal detachment is a serious medical condition in which the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye separates from its normal position. This can cause flashes of light, along with other symptoms such as shadows or curtains in vision.
- Cluster headache: Cluster headaches are a type of extremely intense headache that can sometimes be accompanied by flashes in vision.
- Other eye causes: Flashes in vision can also be caused by other eye conditions, such as posterior vitreous detachment, which is a condition where the vitreous gel inside the eye separates from the retina, or the presence of floaters in the vitreous.
- Other medical causes: Sometimes, flashes in vision can be a symptom of systemic medical conditions, such as diabetes, which can damage the blood vessels in the retina.
It is important to differentiate between flashes and the well-known “floaters.”
What are floaters and why do they occur?
They are small spots or “specks” that move across our field of vision. Sometimes it is confusing whether we see them or if they are in the air. The cause of these floaters is the aging of the eye tissues. They are small age-related detachments that are not serious.
It is important to highlight that the presence of flashes in vision can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, so it is always advisable to seek medical attention if you experience this symptom. An ophthalmologist or doctor can perform a complete examination to determine the cause of the flashes and recommend the appropriate treatment. Do not ignore flashes in vision, as they could indicate a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
