Flashing

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

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

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

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

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

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.

See Also

• Floaters
• Photopsia
• Visual disturbances

External Links

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: Floaters and Flashes