What Causes a Flashing Light in the Eye?: 1 Minute to Understanding Common Eye Symptoms

Seeing a flashing light in your eye can be a startling experience. Most commonly, people notice these flashes as brief bursts or streaks of light, especially in dim lighting or when moving the eye quickly. The medical term for this phenomenon is photopsia. Several factors can cause these visual flashes, ranging from benign to more serious eye conditions:

1. Vitreous Detachment: As we age, the gel-like substance inside our eyes (the vitreous) shrinks and may pull away from the retina. This can cause brief flashes of light, particularly in people over 50.
2. Retinal Tear or Detachment: If the retina is pulled or torn by the shrinking vitreous, it can cause sudden, persistent flashes (often accompanied by new floaters or a curtain-like shadow in your vision). This is a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation.
3. Migraine Auras: Some people experience flashes of light as part of a migraine aura, often described as zigzag lines or shimmering patterns, sometimes even without headache.
4. Ocular Pressure or Trauma: Rubbing your eye or physical impact can mechanically stimulate the retina, resulting in brief flashes of light.
5. Other Eye Disorders: Inflammation (such as uveitis), vascular issues, or complications following surgery can also lead to photopsia.

Whenever a patient reports flashes, my first instinct as a designer is to think visually: much like how the wrong lighting fixture or a flickering bulb can disrupt the comfort and safety of a living space, repeated flashes in your vision can be a warning sign—a signal not to ignore. If you notice sudden, persistent, or increasing flashes, especially with new floaters or loss of vision, consult an eye care professional immediately. Prioritizing a well-lit, ergonomic environment at home also reduces eye strain and helps you notice vision changes sooner.

If you're designing a workspace or a home setting and want to ensure optimal eye comfort, careful planning and visualization matter. Tools like 3D floor planners allow you to test how natural and artificial lighting interact in your rooms, which can be crucial for eye health and overall well-being.

Tips 1:

Maintain ambient, glare-free lighting in all living areas to minimize eye strain and help you distinguish between normal and abnormal visual occurrences. Use adjustable lights and avoid direct exposure to harsh overhead fixtures.

FAQ

Q: Are flashing lights in the eye always serious?

A: Not always, but sudden or persistent flashes, especially with new floaters or vision loss, should be evaluated by an eye specialist promptly.

Q: Can looking at screens cause flashing lights in my eyes?

A: Extended screen time usually causes eye strain rather than photopsia, but it can make you more aware of other visual symptoms. Flashes themselves are not directly caused by screens.

Q: Are flashes more common at a certain age?

A: Yes. They are more common as you age since vitreous detachment typically occurs in people over 50.

Q: Can migraine cause flashing lights?

A: Yes. Migraine aura can include flashing or shimmering lights, sometimes even without headache.

Q: Should I change my room lighting if I see flashing lights?

A: While proper lighting reduces eye strain, sudden flashes are usually due to internal eye issues. Still, ergonomic lighting helps protect overall eye health and can help you notice abnormalities sooner.