Photopsia
Photopsia
Photopsia (pronunciation: /foʊˈtɒpsiə/) is a medical term referring to the perception of flashes or flickers of light in the field of vision. It is often associated with various ocular and neurological conditions.
Etymology
The term "Photopsia" is derived from the Greek words "phōtos" meaning "light" and "opsis" meaning "vision".
Causes
Photopsia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Retinal detachment: This is a serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Photopsia is often one of the first symptoms.
- Migraine: Some people may experience photopsia as part of a migraine aura.
- Vitreous detachment: As people age, the vitreous humor in the eye can shrink and pull away from the retina, causing photopsia.
- Ocular migraine: This is a type of migraine that can cause temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye.
- Posterior vitreous detachment: This is a common condition in older people where the vitreous humor separates from the retina.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of photopsia is the perception of flashes or flickers of light in the field of vision. These flashes may appear and disappear rapidly, and they may be more noticeable in dark or dimly lit environments.
Treatment
Treatment for photopsia depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary. However, if photopsia is caused by a serious condition like retinal detachment, immediate medical attention is required.
Related Terms
- Scintillating scotoma: This is a type of visual aura that often precedes a migraine. It can cause the perception of twinkling or shimmering lights in the visual field.
- Phosphenes: These are the lights and colors that can be seen when the eyes are closed and pressure is applied to them.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Photopsia
- Wikipedia's article - Photopsia
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