Flashes of Light Before the Eyes

What is it?

Flashes of light before the eyes are sudden appearances of bright lights or flashes that a person sees in their field of vision, often without any apparent cause. These flashes can range from small sparks to large, bright spots of light. In some cases, they may be associated with eye or nervous system conditions.

Causes

• Migraine. Flashes of light can be a precursor to a migraine, often accompanied by a headache and other symptoms.
• Retinal detachment. This condition, where the retina detaches from the back of the eye, can cause flashes of light or light spots.
• Glaucoma. High pressure inside the eye can affect the optic nerve, leading to the appearance of flashes of light.
• Circulatory problems. Circulation disorders in the eyes can cause light spots and flashes to occur.
• Dry eye syndrome. A lack of tear fluid can cause discomfort in the eyes and, as a result, flashes of light.

Symptoms

• Bright flashes of light, sparks, or lightning in the field of vision.
• A sensation of a light spot or halo appearing before the eyes.
• Reduced sharpness of vision or blurriness.
• Frequent headaches or migraines accompanied by light effects.

Diagnosis

• Ophthalmological examination. The doctor will conduct a complete eye examination to rule out conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment.
• Circulatory assessment. Checking the blood supply to the eyes can help identify any circulation issues.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This method allows for a more detailed study of the brain and nervous system, which may be useful if the flashes of light are related to neurological problems.
• Electrooculography. This test is used to assess the activity of the eye muscles and identify any pathologies.

Treatment

• Medications. Depending on the cause, the doctor may prescribe medications to treat migraines, glaucoma, or other conditions.
• Vision correction. If the problem is related to eye issues such as retinal detachment or circulatory problems, surgical interventions or other procedures may be recommended.
• Eye moisturization. For treating dry eye syndrome, moisturizing drops or other treatments to restore the tear film are recommended.
• Avoiding stress and overwork. It's important to maintain overall health and avoid factors that could worsen the problem, such as overwork or prolonged screen time.