Flashing: Difference between revisions

Flashing
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Perception of flashes of light
Complications	Retinal detachment
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Posterior vitreous detachment, Migraine, Retinal tear
Risks	Aging, Myopia
Diagnosis	Ophthalmic examination
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Depends on underlying cause
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Latest revision as of 17:32, 30 December 2024

Flashing refers to the perception of brief bursts of light in the visual field, often described as "lightning streaks" or "flashes." This phenomenon can occur in one or both eyes and is typically more noticeable in dark environments.

Causes[edit]

Flashing is commonly associated with several conditions, including:

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): A common cause of flashing, especially in older adults, where the vitreous humor detaches from the retina.
Retinal tear or retinal detachment: These serious conditions can cause flashing and require immediate medical attention.
Migraine: Some individuals experience flashing as part of a migraine aura, even without a headache.
Ocular trauma: Physical impact to the eye can result in temporary flashing.

Risk Factors[edit]

Certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing flashing, such as:

Aging: The risk of PVD and related flashing increases with age.
Myopia: Individuals with nearsightedness are at a higher risk for retinal issues.
Eye surgery: Previous cataract surgery or other eye surgeries can increase the risk of flashing.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of the cause of flashing involves a thorough ophthalmic examination, which may include:

Dilated eye exam to inspect the retina and vitreous.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to obtain detailed images of the retina.
Ultrasound of the eye if the view of the retina is obscured.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for flashing depends on the underlying cause:

PVD: Often requires no treatment, but monitoring is essential to ensure no retinal tears develop.
Retinal tear or detachment: May require laser surgery or cryotherapy to repair the retina.
Migraine: Management of migraines can reduce the frequency of associated flashing.

References[edit]

External Links[edit]

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Floaters and Flashes

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Flashing'''
-[[File:Flashing example.jpg|thumb|right|Example of flashing on a roof]]
+{{Infobox medical condition
+| name           = Flashing
+| image          = <!-- Image removed -->
+| caption        = <!-- Caption removed -->
+| field          = [[Ophthalmology]]
+| symptoms       = Perception of flashes of light
+| complications  = [[Retinal detachment]]
+| onset          = Sudden
+| duration       = Variable
+| causes         = [[Posterior vitreous detachment]], [[Migraine]], [[Retinal tear]]
+| risks          = [[Aging]], [[Myopia]]
+| diagnosis      = [[Ophthalmic examination]]
+| treatment      = Depends on underlying cause
+| frequency      = Common
+}}
-'''Flashing''' is a material used in modern [[construction]] to prevent the passage of water into a structure from an angle or joint. Flashing is typically installed at intersections and terminations of building components to deflect water away from the seams and joints, thereby preventing leaks and water damage.
+'''Flashing''' refers to the perception of brief bursts of light in the [[visual field]], often described as "lightning streaks" or "flashes." This phenomenon can occur in one or both eyes and is typically more noticeable in dark environments.
-==Types of Flashing==
+== Causes ==
-There are several types of flashing used in construction, each serving a specific purpose:
+Flashing is commonly associated with several conditions, including:
-* '''Roof Flashing''': Installed around roof features such as [[chimneys]], [[vents]], and [[skylights]] to prevent water from seeping into the roof structure.
+* '''[[Posterior vitreous detachment]] (PVD)''': A common cause of flashing, especially in older adults, where the [[vitreous humor]] detaches from the [[retina]].
-* '''Wall Flashing''': Used at the junctions of walls and roofs, or around windows and doors to prevent water infiltration.
+* '''[[Retinal tear]] or [[retinal detachment]]''': These serious conditions can cause flashing and require immediate medical attention.
-* '''Sill Flashing''': Placed under windows or doors to direct water away from the building.
+* '''[[Migraine]]''': Some individuals experience flashing as part of a [[migraine aura]], even without a headache.
-* '''Step Flashing''': Used where a roof meets a vertical wall, with pieces of flashing overlapping each other to create a step-like pattern.
+* '''[[Ocular trauma]]''': Physical impact to the eye can result in temporary flashing.
-* '''Valley Flashing''': Installed in the valleys of a roof where two roof planes intersect, directing water down the valley and off the roof.
-==Materials==
+== Risk Factors ==
-Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, each chosen based on the specific requirements of the construction project:
+Certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing flashing, such as:
-* '''Aluminum''': Lightweight and easy to work with, but can corrode when in contact with certain materials.
+* '''[[Aging]]''': The risk of PVD and related flashing increases with age.
-* '''Copper''': Durable and long-lasting, often used in high-end construction.
+* '''[[Myopia]]''': Individuals with [[nearsightedness]] are at a higher risk for retinal issues.
-* '''Lead''': Highly malleable and long-lasting, but concerns about toxicity have reduced its use.
+* '''[[Eye surgery]]''': Previous [[cataract surgery]] or other eye surgeries can increase the risk of flashing.
-* '''Galvanized Steel''': Strong and durable, commonly used in residential construction.
-* '''Rubberized Asphalt''': Flexible and self-sealing, often used in conjunction with other materials.
-==Installation==
+== Diagnosis ==
-Proper installation of flashing is crucial to its effectiveness. The process typically involves:
+Diagnosis of the cause of flashing involves a thorough [[ophthalmic examination]], which may include:
-. Cleaning the surface where the flashing will be applied.
+* [[Dilated eye exam]] to inspect the retina and vitreous.
-. Cutting the flashing material to the required size and shape.
+* [[Optical coherence tomography]] (OCT) to obtain detailed images of the retina.
-. Securing the flashing in place using nails, screws, or adhesive.
+* [[Ultrasound]] of the eye if the view of the retina is obscured.
-. Sealing the edges of the flashing with a waterproof sealant to prevent water infiltration.
-==Maintenance==
+== Treatment ==
-Regular maintenance of flashing is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. This includes:
+Treatment for flashing depends on the underlying cause:
-* Inspecting flashing for signs of damage or wear.
+* '''PVD''': Often requires no treatment, but monitoring is essential to ensure no retinal tears develop.
-* Re-sealing any gaps or cracks that may have developed.
+* '''Retinal tear or detachment''': May require [[laser surgery]] or [[cryotherapy]] to repair the retina.
-* Replacing damaged or corroded flashing as needed.
+* '''Migraine''': Management of migraines can reduce the frequency of associated flashing.
-==Related Pages==
+== See Also ==
-* [[Roof]]
+* [[Floaters]]
-* [[Chimney]]
+* [[Photopsia]]
-* [[Ventilation (architecture)]]
+* [[Visual disturbances]]
-* [[Waterproofing]]
-* [[Building envelope]]
-==Categories==
+== References ==
-[[Category:Construction]]
+{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Building materials]]
-[[Category:Waterproofing]]
-{{Construction-stub}}
+== External Links ==
+* [https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-floaters-flashes American Academy of Ophthalmology: Floaters and Flashes]
+[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
+[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Nervous and musculoskeletal systems]]
+[[Category:Visual disturbances]]