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Hashemi Eye Care - Neuroscience Institute and Research Center

Photopsia (Flashes of Light)

Seeing flashes of light when there is no external source. Learn what causes light flashes in your vision, when they're serious, and when to seek emergency care.

6 min read

Photopsia refers to the perception of flashes of light when no external light is present. These flashes can appear as sparks, streaks, lightning bolts, or flickering lights. While often benign, new or sudden photopsia—especially with floaters—requires prompt evaluation to rule out a retinal tear or detachment.

Key Takeaways

  • New flashes with new floaters require urgent same-day evaluation
  • Common causes include posterior vitreous detachment, migraine, and retinal problems
  • Flashes in one eye suggest an eye problem; flashes in both eyes may suggest migraine aura
  • Most cases are benign but serious causes must be ruled out
  • Prompt evaluation can prevent vision loss from retinal detachment

What Photopsia Looks Like

People describe light flashes in many ways:

  • Brief sparks or stars at the edge of vision
  • Lightning bolt streaks especially with eye movement
  • Arc or crescent-shaped flashes in peripheral vision
  • Flickering or shimmering lights
  • Camera flash-like bursts
  • Flashes that occur in darkness or with eyes closed
  • Flashes triggered by eye movement or position change
Simulation of photopsia showing bright flashes and zigzag light patterns in vision

Common Causes

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

The most common cause of new photopsia in adults over 50:

  • The vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks with age
  • As it separates from the retina, it tugs and stimulates photoreceptors
  • Causes brief flashes, often in peripheral vision
  • Usually accompanied by new floaters
  • Flashes typically decrease over weeks to months
  • Generally benign but must rule out retinal tear

Retinal Tear or Detachment

A serious cause requiring immediate treatment:

  • Vitreous traction creates a tear in the retina
  • Flashes may be more persistent or pronounced
  • Often accompanied by shower of new floaters
  • May progress to vision loss if untreated
  • Risk factors: high myopia, previous eye surgery, trauma, family history

Migraine

A common cause of visual symptoms:

  • Migraine aura causes flashing lights in both eyes
  • Typically zigzag or scintillating patterns
  • Lasts 20-60 minutes
  • Often followed by headache
  • Ocular migraine may cause flashes without headache

Optic Nerve Conditions

Other Causes

When to Seek Emergency Care

What You'll Be Asked in Clinic

Your doctor will want to understand your flashes:

About the flashes:

  • When did they start?
  • One eye or both eyes?
  • Where in your vision do they appear?
  • What triggers them (eye movement, position change)?
  • How long does each flash last?
  • Are they becoming more or less frequent?

Associated symptoms:

Risk factors:

  • Are you nearsighted (myopia)?
  • Previous eye surgery or trauma?
  • Family history of retinal detachment?
  • History of migraine?

How Photopsia Is Diagnosed

Eye Examination

Additional Tests

Depending on findings:

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

For PVD Without Complications

  • Observation—most resolve without treatment
  • Follow-up examination—ensure no retinal tear develops
  • Activity precautions—may be advised temporarily
  • Flashes typically decrease over weeks

For Retinal Tears

  • Laser photocoagulation—seals tear to prevent detachment
  • Cryotherapy—freezing treatment around tear
  • Urgent treatment prevents progression to detachment

For Retinal Detachment

  • Surgical repair—pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, or vitrectomy
  • Earlier treatment generally means better visual outcome
  • Migraine management—preventive and acute treatments
  • See migraine for treatment options

For Optic Neuritis

Living with Photopsia

If You Have PVD

  • Flashes usually improve over 4-6 weeks
  • Floaters may persist but become less noticeable
  • Know the warning signs of retinal problems
  • Attend scheduled follow-up appointments

Monitoring for Changes

Return promptly if you notice:

  • Increase in flashes
  • New shower of floaters
  • Any shadow or curtain in your vision
  • Decrease in vision

Frequently Asked Questions

Are flashes of light always serious?

Not always. Many people experience occasional flashes, especially as they age. However, new, sudden, or persistent flashes—particularly with floaters—should always be evaluated to rule out retinal problems.

How can I tell if my flashes are from migraine or my eye?

Migraine aura typically affects both eyes (though may seem one-sided), lasts 20-60 minutes, often has zigzag or scintillating patterns, and may be followed by headache. Eye-related flashes typically affect one eye, are brief, may be triggered by eye movement, and are often accompanied by floaters.

Will the flashes go away?

With PVD, flashes typically decrease significantly within weeks to months as the vitreous completely separates. Migraine-related flashes resolve after each episode. Persistent or worsening flashes need re-evaluation.

Can I prevent retinal detachment?

You cannot prevent PVD, but prompt evaluation of flashes allows early detection and treatment of retinal tears before they progress to detachment. This is why urgent evaluation of new symptoms is so important.

Should I avoid activities with photopsia?

Your doctor will advise based on your specific situation. Generally, while being evaluated for new flashes, avoiding heavy lifting, straining, or contact sports may be recommended until retinal problems are ruled out.

References

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