Flashing lights, or photopsia, are brief flickers or streaks of light seen without an external source. They may arise from traction on the retina or from neurological causes.
Ocular Causes
Posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, and retinal detachment commonly produce flashes, often with new floaters or a curtain over part of the vision. Inflammation, trauma, or neovascular changes can also irritate the retina.
- Flashes with a sudden shower of floaters or field loss are an emergency
- Short‑lived flashes can accompany migraine aura, with or without headache
- Persistent or one‑sided photopsia is more concerning than brief, symmetric patterns
- Head injury may trigger transient visual phenomena that require assessment
Urgency
Any recent onset of flashes should be examined promptly to rule out retinal pathology. Early treatment of retinal tears or detachment can preserve vision.
- People with high myopia or previous retinal problems are at higher risk
- Ophthalmic examination with dilated pupils and imaging may be required
- Neurological review is needed if imaging suggests non‑ocular causes
- Do not drive if flashes significantly disturb vision until assessed
