As you age, the gel inside your eye naturally changes. This makes flashes of light more common after age 50. If you are in this age group and notice new flashes, it is worth having your eyes checked, even if the flashes seem mild.
High myopia, or strong nearsightedness, means your eye is slightly longer than average. That extra length puts more tension on the retina, the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of your eye. This makes flashes and other retinal symptoms more likely over time.
If flashing lights are new for you, or if they appeared suddenly and are happening frequently, this is your cue to see an eye doctor the same day. New flashes can signal that the retina is being pulled or tugged, and catching that early matters.
Your eye is filled with a clear, jelly-like substance called the vitreous. Think of it like a water balloon that sits inside your eye and presses gently against the retina. The retina is the thin tissue at the back of your eye that captures light and sends images to your brain, like the film in a camera.
Over time, the vitreous gel shrinks and becomes more liquid. As it shrinks, it can tug on the retina where it is attached. Each tug sends a signal to your brain that looks like a flash or a streak of light. You are not actually seeing light from outside your eye. Your retina is reacting to being pulled, and your brain interprets that signal as a flash.
Most of the time, the vitreous separates from the retina smoothly. This is called a posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD. It is a normal part of aging. But sometimes the gel pulls hard enough to tear the retina. A retinal tear left untreated can allow fluid to slip behind the retina and cause a retinal detachment, which is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss.
These are the most common type. They look like quick flickers of light, usually in your side vision. They may appear when you move your eyes or turn your head quickly. In most cases, these are caused by normal vitreous changes and are not dangerous on their own.
If you notice flashes happening over and over in the same area of your vision, especially over several days or weeks, this could mean the vitreous is pulling on one particular spot of the retina. This pattern is more likely to be associated with a retinal tear and should be evaluated promptly.
These are different from retinal flashes. Shimmering, colorful zigzag patterns that spread across your vision and last 10 to 30 minutes are usually related to a migraine, even if you do not get a headache afterward. These are called ocular migraines or visual migraines. They are not typically dangerous, but mention them to your eye doctor so they can rule out other causes.
A 2017 review published in the journal Survey of Ophthalmology found that 8 to 16 percent of people who develop sudden flashes and floaters from a posterior vitreous detachment are found to have a retinal tear. That means the majority of PVD cases do not result in a tear, but the percentage is high enough that every new case of sudden flashes deserves a thorough retinal exam.
A 2022 study published in the journal Clinical Ophthalmology reported that retinal detachment occurs at a rate of 10 to 18 per 100,000 people per year in the United States. While this is relatively uncommon, retinal detachment can lead to serious vision loss if it is not treated quickly. Early detection through a dilated eye exam can make a significant difference in outcomes.
These statistics describe populations, not individuals. Your personal risk depends on your age, your degree of nearsightedness, any history of eye surgery or injury, and your family history. Your eye doctor can assess your specific risk factors during an exam.
When you come in for flashing lights, your eye doctor will place drops in your eyes to dilate, or widen, your pupils. This gives them a clear view of the retina and the vitreous inside your eye. The drops take about 20 to 30 minutes to work, and your vision will be blurry for a few hours afterward. Bring sunglasses if you have them, or plan for someone to drive you home.
Using a bright light and a special lens, your doctor will carefully examine the entire retina, paying close attention to the edges where tears are most likely to form. They will look for retinal tears, retinal holes, areas of thinning, signs of detachment, and any other changes that need attention.
If your retina looks healthy, your doctor will likely ask you to monitor your symptoms and return if anything changes. If they find a tear or another problem, they will explain your options clearly. Small retinal tears can often be treated with a laser procedure performed by a retinal specialist, which seals the tear and helps prevent it from becoming a detachment.
If you are in Southwest Las Vegas or Spring Valley and experience new flashing lights, our team offers same-day emergency appointments. When you arrive, you will describe your symptoms and when they started. The sooner you are seen, the sooner your eye doctor can determine what is happening.
Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive dilated exam using advanced retinal imaging. This allows our team to see the retina in detail and identify any areas of concern. The exam itself is painless and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, including dilation time.
Once the exam is complete, your doctor will explain what they found. If everything looks normal, you will receive guidance on what symptoms to watch for going forward. If a retinal tear or other issue is found, our team will coordinate a referral to a retinal specialist for treatment and continue to manage your follow-up care.
Floaters are small dark spots, cobwebs, or strings that drift across your vision. On their own, floaters are usually harmless. But when new floaters appear at the same time as new flashes of light, this combination can indicate that the vitreous is pulling away from the retina and may have caused a tear. See your eye doctor the same day.
If you notice a dark shadow creeping across your vision from any direction, like a curtain being drawn, this may indicate a retinal detachment. This is a medical emergency. Seek care immediately, because early treatment offers the best chance of preserving your vision.
If you have been seeing occasional flashes for a while and they suddenly become much more frequent or intense, this change matters. An increase in flashing can mean the vitreous is pulling more aggressively on the retina. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Come in right away.
