Lightning bolts. These common sights, if uncommonly seen, can
signal a serious eye condition that requires immediate treatment
. They can indicate a hole or detachment of the retina, the tissue layer that lines the inside of the eye and acts as sort of an optic nerve gateway to the brain.
Are eye flashes serious?
Eye flashes can be a symptom of retinal detachment or retinal tears. These are
serious conditions that can damage your sight
.
Why do I see lightning in my eyes?
When the vitreous gel inside your eye rubs or pulls on the retina
, you may see what looks like flashing lights or lightening streaks. You may have experienced this sensation if you have ever been hit in the eye and see “stars.” These flashes of light can appear off and on for several weeks or months.
When should I worry about eye flashes?
If you see flashes
suddenly
and in a greater amount than usual, you should definitely see your optometrist or doctor immediately. A sudden and unexplainable surge of these types of flashes can indicate the vitreous fluid inside your eye is pulling away from the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
How do you get rid of flashes in your eyes?
You can try
moving your eyes
, looking up and down to move the floaters out of your field of vision. While some floaters may remain in your vision, many of them will fade over time and become less bothersome.
Can high blood pressure cause flashing lights in eyes?
An example would be standing quickly from a sitting position or rising quickly after stooping or bending over.
Pregnancy related high blood pressure
(pre-eclampsia) can also cause light flashes.
Can anxiety cause flashing lights in eyes?
Can Anxiety Cause Eye Flashes? Rapid heart rate, fast breathing, and a sudden, overwhelming feeling of panic — anxiety can cause these physical and mental changes. Some people report other changes when their anxiety is high, namely, floaters or flashes of light that have them seeing stars.
Can dehydration cause eye flashes?
Dehydration, stress, lack of sleep, caffeine and certain foods are typical triggers for ocular migraines. When someone describes their flash stemming from only one eye and it is a quick flash usually only seen in the dark almost like a flash from a camera then I often attribute this to the vitreous gel.
How long can flashes in the eye last?
With treatment, eye flashes should go away. It
usually takes about a month, but sometimes it can take up to 6 months for them to completely disappear
. While not all eye flashes are serious, you should always have a medical eye examination by an ophthalmologist to make sure there has been no damage to your retina.
What are the warning signs of a detached retina?
- The sudden appearance of many floaters — tiny specks that seem to drift through your field of vision.
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes (photopsia)
- Blurred vision.
- Gradually reduced side (peripheral) vision.
- A curtain-like shadow over your visual field.
Why am I seeing flashes of light in the corner of my eye at night?
Vitreous humor is a gel-like substance that fills the majority of your eyeball. This gel allows light to enter the eye via the lens, and it is connected to the retina.
If vitreous gel bumps or pulls on the retina
, you may see flashes of light in the corner of your eye.
Is it normal to see flashes of light when eyes are closed?
Seeing patterns, lights, and colors when you shut your eyes is
a natural phenomenon called closed eye hallucinations
. Some causes, however, may be related to underlying medical conditions.
Do flashes always mean retinal detachment?
Flashes are brief sparkles or lightning streaks that are most easily seen when your eyes are closed. They often appear at the edges of your visual field. Floaters and
flashes do not always mean that you will have a retinal detachment
. But they may be a warning sign, so it is best to be checked by a doctor right away.
What do retinal detachment Flashes look like?
Flashes in retinal detachment are usually split-second or few-seconds at a time. They can be
like streaks of lightning
, noticeable especially in a dark room. They can occur randomly at different times of the day. They can be quite alarming.
Can high blood pressure cause wavy vision?
Other ways high blood pressure can damage your eyes
Choroidopathy
, which is a buildup of fluid under the retina. As a result of this excess fluid, you may experience blurry or distorted vision, and sometimes scarring will occur that impairs vision.
Is it normal to see squiggly lines?
Floaters
are small dark shapes that float across your vision. They can look like spots, threads, squiggly lines, or even little cobwebs. Most people have floaters that come and go, and they often don’t need treatment. But sometimes floaters can be a sign of a more serious eye condition.
