Flashing lights
Flashing Lights
Flashing lights (/ˈflæʃɪŋ laɪts/) are a type of light that alternates between being on and off in a regular or irregular pattern. They are commonly used in various fields such as emergency services, traffic signals, and advertising.
Etymology
The term "flashing lights" originates from the verb "flash", which in turn comes from the Old Norse word "flas", meaning "to shine". The term "light" comes from the Old English word "leoht", meaning "brightness" or "illumination".
Medical Significance
In the medical field, flashing lights can be a symptom of various conditions. For instance, they can be a sign of migraine, retinal detachment, or ocular migraine.
Migraine
Migraine sufferers often report experiencing an aura of flashing lights before the onset of the headache. This is thought to be due to changes in the electrical activity of the brain.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. One of the early symptoms can be the perception of flashing lights.
Ocular Migraine
An Ocular migraine can cause temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye. During an ocular migraine, some people may see flashing or shimmering lights, zigzagging lines, or stars.
Related Terms
- Photopsia: The perception of flashing lights, often due to retinal damage.
- Scintillating scotoma: A type of aura that can occur before a migraine, often characterized by the perception of flashing lights.
- Phosphenes: The sensation of seeing lights when there is no light actually entering the eye, often caused by pressure on the eye or stimulation of the visual system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flashing lights
- Wikipedia's article - Flashing lights
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