“Why am I seeing flashes?”
I'm 25 years old and female. I started seeing flashes of light in my right eye. What can be the cause?
8 Answers
Floaters and flashes can be signs of a serious condition like a detached retina. A complete ophthalmologic exam with a dilated fundus examination should be performed.
Flashes are caused by vitreous (jelly material in the eye) traction. The tug sets off retinal cell stimulation and you see a flash. You absolutely need to see a retinal specialist because you are at risk for a retinal detachment and permanent vision loss. Don't delay. If you cannot get in to see him soon, see an ophthalmologist. You are quite young to have flashes.
25 is younger than the usual vitreous separation that occurs in the 50’s or 60’s. You may have a retinal hole or tear. See an ophthalmologist soon. SO
Flashes can be a warning sign of a retinal tear or detachment. You need to be checked as soon as possible by an eyecare professional.
Flashes of light in eye may sometimes be caused by the vitreous (the gel that holds the shape of the eye together) pulling/tugging on the retina (the membrane that collects light like a film in a camera), or anything that physically pulls on the retina.
I would highly recommend if you are experiencing sudden flashes of light and/or floaters (black spots in your vision) to visit your eye care professional immediately, so that he/she can perform a dilated fundus exam on you to make sure that there are no tears and/or breaks in your retina that can lead to a retinal detachment, which can lead to permanent blindness if not properly treated in time.
I would highly recommend if you are experiencing sudden flashes of light and/or floaters (black spots in your vision) to visit your eye care professional immediately, so that he/she can perform a dilated fundus exam on you to make sure that there are no tears and/or breaks in your retina that can lead to a retinal detachment, which can lead to permanent blindness if not properly treated in time.
Migraine, retinal tear or hole, retinal detachment, and other possibilities.
Frank Cao
Frank Cao
Could be retinal pathology or ocular migraines. Please get a dilated fundus exam.
It could be pull out traction on your retina by the vitreous gel. See your doctor if you have visual field loss
