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Light Flashes services offered in Haverford, PA
Do you sometimes see flashes of light that aren’t really there? Light flashes are a visual disturbance that may indicate an eye disease or other medical issue requiring immediate attention. At Main Line Retina in Haverford, Pennsylvania, board-certified ophthalmologist Hilary Brader, MD, diagnoses and treats the underlying cause of light flashes to prevent worsening problems with your vision.
There are many causes of flashes, including traction (pulling) on the retina from the vitreous gel in the eye.
It can also be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment, inflammation in the eye, or even a migraine that affects the eye.
Light Flashes Q & A
What are light flashes?
Light flashes, also referred to as photopsia, are visual irregularities that cause you to see a flash of light without an actual light source. You might see lightning bolts, sparkles, or other forms of light flashes when you’re not looking at light. You might see floaters and flashes at the same time.
Flashes may appear when part of your eye pulls on your retina and creates tension. Sometimes, seeing a flash of light isn’t cause for concern, while other times, it’s a sign of a severe brain or eye injury requiring prompt treatment.
What are the symptoms of light flashes?
Flashes may appear as:
- White or sparkly flashes
- Colored lights
- Zigzag lines
- Lightning streaks
- Flashes that spin in circles
- Brief pops of light
- White fuzz or snow
- A crescent of light in your periphera vision
- Spots
- Flickering lights
- Sparks
You might see flashes in just one eye or both eyes at the same time. They can appear more often later in the day, early in the morning, or when you’re in a dark room. Flashes may develop with eye, body, or head movements.
What causes light flashes?
You might experience light flashes due to:
- Aging
- Migraines with auras
- Retinal detachment
- Retinal tears
- Eye trauma
- Posterior vitreous detachment (separation of the vitreous and retina)
- Optic neuritis (optic nerve inflammation)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Eye inflammation
The earlier you seek treatment for light flashes, the easier it is for your provider to properly treat its underlying cause.
How are light flashes diagnosed?
Dr. Brader diagnoses light flashes by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. She asks what the flashes look like and how often you see them. She also completes a comprehensive eye exam, vision testing, and diagnostic tests to diagnose your condition.
How are light flashes treated?
Your treatment depends on the underlying cause of light flashes. Eye injuries may warrant medications, laser treatment, or surgery. Dr. Brader refers you to another specialist if you have a health problem causing light flashes and may suggest prompt medical care.
Reduce the risk of future eye problems by not smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining an ideal body weight, eating nutritious foods, attending routine eye exams, and using eye protection when in the sun or working with dust or other debris.
Schedule evaluation at Main Line Retina by phone or online today at the first sign of light flashes.