Do you feel as though you have flashes of light in your eyes? This is a common occurrence. However, it can be a source of concern, especially when it happens for the first time. There are several reasons why some people experience temporary flashes of light that appear with their eyes closed or open. What are the causes? When should you consult an optometrist? Read on to find out more.
Phosphenes: flashes of light in the eyes
Phosphene is a medical term for a luminous sensation in the eyes produced without any external light source. Phosphenes are similar to flashes of light but can take different forms: flashes, dots, spots, etc. They generally appear several times and are harmless to your sight.
What causes flashes of light?
Flashes of light or lightning in the eyes can have many causes. But most of the time, these flashes are caused by tiny retinal abnormalities. And it's not unusual for phosphenes to be more easily visible in the dark.
In other cases, they occur during migraines or irregularities in blood pressure. And more rarely, they are caused by retinal detachment.
Migraine causes flashes of light
Glares or flashes of light are typical symptoms of a migraine. They usually begin to appear before the onset of pain. They then cease spontaneously.
The influence of stress on eye flashes
When blood pressure is too high, blood flow to the skull and brain increases. Hypertension, like hypotension, can cause phosphenes. And since stress contributes indirectly to the rise in blood pressure, it too can lead to the appearance of spots or points of light.
Flashes of light: Symptoms of eye problems
In rare cases, phosphenes are caused by eye problems:
#1- Vitreous detachment, which occurs due to myopia and aging eyes. The vitreous is attached to the retina. As it detaches, it can pull away from the retina, causing flashes or spots of light.
#2- Retinal tearing, a complication caused by vitreous detachment. Without medical follow-up, this can lead to vision loss. An appointment for a fundoscopic exam will be necessary to assess whether laser treatment is required.
#3- Eye injuries and trauma can temporarily cause spots or flashes of light to appear in front of the eyes. Perhaps you've recently undergone surgery or received a blow to the eye? In this case, it's best to carry out a thorough exam to rule out any risk of complications.
What are the symptoms of flashes of light in the eyes?
Phosphenes can take different forms:
- A camera-like flash
- A flash in the corner of the eye
- A luminous zigzag before the eyes
- A lightning bolt of varying size
- A glare
- A point of light
- A spot of light
All these luminous forms have one thing in common: they manifest themselves without a light source.
Should I seek medical advice if I see phosphenes?
If this is the first time this has happened to you, and you see phosphenes regularly, it's best to seek medical advice as soon as the first symptoms appear to determine the cause. Even if this phenomenon is common and often benign, it may be symptomatic of a more serious health or eye problem.
What is the treatment for phosphene?
There is no treatment for phosphenes themselves. When treatment is prescribed, it targets the underlying causes of the light phenomena.
When you experience visual symptoms that are out of the ordinary, don't hesitate to talk to your optometrist to preserve the quality of your vision.
