Photopsia

Photopsia is the symptom of seeing flashes of light and is essentially caused by the eye, but it can also occur due to neurological damage. Photopsias are most commonly observed as floaters, brief flashes of light that streak across the visual field.

Causes

Photopsia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Retinal detachment: This is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Photopsia due to retinal detachment is typically described as seeing flashing lights.
• Vitreous detachment: This is a common condition in older adults where the vitreous humor pulls away from the retina. Photopsia due to vitreous detachment is typically described as seeing floaters or cobwebs.
• Migraine: Some people may experience photopsia as part of a migraine aura before the headache phase of the migraine begins.
• Ocular migraine: This is a condition characterized by temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye. Photopsia is a common symptom.
• Digitalis toxicity: This is a complication of digitalis therapy used for heart conditions. It can cause a variety of vision changes, including photopsia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of photopsia is typically made through a comprehensive eye examination. This may include:

• Visual acuity test: This test measures how well you see at various distances.
• Dilated eye exam: Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. This allows the eye care professional to see more of the inside of your eyes to check for signs of the disease.
• Tonometry: An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.

Treatment

Treatment for photopsia depends on the underlying cause. For example, retinal detachment requires immediate surgical intervention, while photopsia due to migraines may be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

See also

• Visual snow
• Scintillating scotoma
• Retinal migraine

References

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