Eye flashes are sudden perceptions of light that appear in your vision without any external light source. These can vary in appearance and duration depending on the underlying cause.
Understanding Eye Flashes
Eye flashes often manifest as streaks of lightning, sparks, or bright spots, sometimes described as seeing “shooting stars” or “camera flashes.” These perceptions arise from mechanical stimulation of the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. The most common reason is the vitreous gel, a jelly-like substance filling the eye, pulling or rubbing on the retina. This sends signals to the brain, interpreted as flashes of light. While eye flashes can occur alongside floaters, which are specks or strings that drift in your vision, they result from different mechanisms.
Factors Influencing Flash Duration
The duration of eye flashes is closely tied to their specific cause. Flashes related to Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) are brief, lasting only seconds. PVD is a common age-related process where the vitreous gel shrinks and separates from the retina. As the vitreous detaches, these flashes can occur intermittently over several weeks or months.
Flashes caused by a migraine with aura are neurological events. These flashes can appear as shimmering zigzag lines, bright spots, or wavy patterns. The visual disturbances associated with a migraine aura last between 5 and 60 minutes. These visual symptoms are often followed by a headache, though some individuals experience ocular migraines without headache pain.
In more serious situations, flashes can signal a retinal tear or detachment. These conditions involve the retina pulling away from its normal position. Flashes from a retinal tear or detachment can be sudden, persistent, and may increase in frequency or intensity. Unlike flashes from PVD or migraines, these flashes do not subside quickly on their own. Other less common causes, such as vitreous hemorrhage or inflammation, can also lead to flashes, with duration varying by condition.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seek medical evaluation if you experience new eye flashes. Immediate attention is needed for a sudden onset of new flashes, or if existing flashes increase in frequency or intensity. This urgency is heightened if flashes are accompanied by a sudden increase in new floaters.
Additional warning signs requiring urgent consultation include the appearance of a “curtain” or “veil” over part of your vision, which can indicate a retinal detachment. Any associated vision loss or eye pain also warrants immediate professional assessment. Swift evaluation by an eye care professional is necessary to diagnose the cause and prevent permanent vision changes.