Seeing Flashes of Light in Your Vision? When It’s Normal and When It’s Not

As we age, maintaining our eye health becomes increasingly important. Our sight can change in various ways, including seeing flashes of light in our field of vision. While these flashes are often harmless, it's essential to understand what they may signify. By distinguishing between benign occurrences and potential warning signs of serious conditions, you can take proactive steps to protect your vision through all stages of life.

Benign vs. Abnormal Flashes: Knowing the Difference

Benign eye flashes are typically brief and occur occasionally. They're often the result of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), a common, age-related condition in which the vitreous gel in the eye shrinks and separates from the retina, usually resolving within a few weeks. While PVD is a regular part of the aging process, in rare cases, it can lead to vision-threatening conditions, such as retinal tears or detachments.

A retinal tear is a hole or rip in the retina, usually caused by the vitreous tissue pulling away from it. When the vitreous fluid leaks through the tear, it can cause the retina to detach from its underlying tissue. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency and, if not treated quickly, can lead to permanent vision loss.

Retinal Tear and Detachment Symptoms

Experiencing occasional flashes of light that don't significantly affect your daily life is usually nothing to worry about. However, if these flashes occur suddenly and persist for a long time in one or both eyes, they may indicate a tear or detachment. Other symptoms to be aware of include:

• A sudden increase in eye floaters, which may resemble specks or cobwebs in your field of vision.
• The presence of a dark shadow or curtain moving across your vision.
• Sudden blurriness in your eyesight.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible.

Seeking Care for Eye Flashes

Not all flashes of light in your vision signify an emergency; however, they should still be evaluated by a retinal specialist. At Vitreoretinal Consultants, we can examine your eyes for signs of tears or other conditions, providing you with peace of mind and prompt intervention if necessary. We’re proud to be one of the largest retina practices serving patients in Elmhurst, NY, Flushing, NY, Great Neck, NY, Hauppauge, NY, Scarsdale, NY, Riverhead, NY, Rockville Centre, NY, Shirley, NY, and Westbury, NY. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.