Why You Shouldn't Ignore Flashes of Light or Sudden Vision Changes
If you experience sudden vision changes, such as flashes of light, it's important not to ignore them. These symptoms could be signs of an eye condition like a torn or detached retina, which, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. Here's what you need to know about flashes of light, what causes them, and when you should seek help from a retina specialist:
Flashes of Light: What You Need to Know
Flashes of light can appear like shooting stars or lightning streaks in your field of vision. They originate from within the eye, not from outside the body, and usually appear and fade quickly. These flashes typically occur when the vitreous, the gel-like fluid inside your eye, pulls on the retina due to aging or injury — a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). PVD can result in retinal tears and detachments, where the retina is pulled from its proper position at the back wall of the eye. A retinal detachment requires immediate medical treatment.
In addition to retinal tears and detachments, flashes of light and other sudden vision changes may indicate other conditions, including:
- Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve
-Retinitis pigmentosa: A genetic condition in which the retinal cells break down over time - Retinal hemorrhage: Heavy bleeding
- Eye trauma: Bruises, punctures, burns, or scratches
When to See an Eye Doctor
Seeing occasional flashes of light is a common part of the aging process. While they may be harmless, it's important to discuss any vision changes with your ophthalmologist or retina specialist, as they could indicate a serious condition. You should contact your eye doctor immediately if you:
- Start seeing flashes where you haven’t before
- Experience a sudden increase in flashes of light
- See flashes of light along with dark spots in your vision
- Notice a dark area or gray curtain across your vision
- See flashes of light after an eye or face injury
Address Any Sudden Vision Changes Today
If you notice sudden flashes of light or other changes in your vision, it's important to inform your eye doctor. While most vision changes are normal signs of aging, they could also be symptoms of more serious eye conditions that require prompt medical attention. At Southeastern Retina Associates, we can address any concerns you may have regarding flashes of light and other sudden vision changes. If you experience any of these symptoms, please see your regular eye doctor as soon as possible and they may refer you to our office.