Many people will experience light flashes in their eyes at some point. Although it may cause you to worry, most of the time they’re simply a result of normal changes in the vitreous humor of your eye, a jelly-like, transparent liquid that fills the space between the lens and retina. However, if flashes become frequent or prolonged, you should see your eye doctor right away as they may be a sign of a retinal problem. Here, the experienced professionals at Tri-State Eye in Middletown, NY, and Milford, PA, offer a guide to light flashes and what they may mean for your retina.

A Guide to Flashes of Light & Damaged Retinas

What Are the Symptoms of Retinal Damage?

The appearance of these “flashes” can vary from person to person, but most people describe them as pinpricks, jagged or wavy lines, lightning streaks, spots, or stars. They may come and go over a period time and are more common in older people. But no matter your age or whether their onset is gradual or sudden, you should contact your eye doctor as soon as you begin to experience light flashes.

What Are the Causes?

There are a number of things that could cause the appearance of a flash in your vison, including ocular migraines. Flashes may occur when the vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks or changes, causing it to pull on the retina. This pulling triggers the optic nerve, which causes your brain to experience the flashing light sensation. If the pulling is severe, damage to or detachment of the retina may occur. Typical causes include age, eye injury, diabetic retinopathy—in which high blood glucose levels damage the blood vessels in the retina—and sickle cell disease. The cause of the light flashes should be determined as soon as possible, as retinal detachment can proceed quickly, leading to vision loss or even blindness.

What Is the Treatment for a Detached Retina? 

Surgery is often the only treatment for a detached retina. In some cases, laser treatment may be required. Treatment is typically very successful, but only if it occurs quickly after the onset of symptoms. If you wait too long, permanent vision loss may occur. To ensure the best outcome, contact an experienced eye doctor as soon as possible.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a detached retina, such as flashes of light, seek treatment immediately from the trusted team at Tri-State Eye. Their retinal specialist and eye doctors will provide a thorough evaluation and offer a comprehensive treatment plan to restore your vision. To schedule an appointment today at one of their two convenient locations, call (845) 703-2020 or (570)296-9696 or visit their website to find out more.