Seeing flashes of light
Seeing flashes of light, or photopsia, involves brief sparks, streaks, or lightning-like flashes in your vision. They often occur when the vitreous gel in the eye tugs on the retina. While sometimes harmless, sudden onset can signal a retinal emergency.
Common Causes of Seeing flashes of light
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Migraine with aura
- Ocular migraine
- Eye trauma
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care for Seeing flashes of light
These signs may indicate a serious problem — don't wait, seek medical care right away:
- Sudden onset of flashes (especially with floaters)
- Flashes with a curtain or shadow over part of vision
- Flashes after eye injury
- Flashes increasing in frequency
- Flashes with sudden vision loss in one eye
Ready to address seeing flashes of light?
Book a consultation with our clinical team. We'll assess your reports and recommend the right treatment path.