What Does a Flash in my Vision Mean?
Have you ever noticed a sudden flash of light in your vision—like a camera going off when no one’s around? Or maybe you’ve started seeing strange squiggly lines or dark spots drifting across your sight? While these visual oddities might seem harmless, they could actually be your eyes trying to tell you something important.
Flashes and floaters are more common than you might think, especially as we age. But when they appear suddenly, persist, or come with other symptoms, they could signal a serious issue like a retinal tear or detachment—both of which require urgent attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Floaters are tiny clumps of collagen fibers that drift through the gel-like substance inside your eye (called the vitreous). They might look like threads, spots or cobwebs moving across your field of vision—especially noticeable when looking at a bright surface like a white wall or the sky.
As we age, the vitreous begins to shrink and pull away from the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. This process is often normal, but it can create those shadows you see as floaters. In some cases, the pulling can cause tension on the retina.
That’s where flashes come in. Flashes are brief bursts of light that occur when the vitreous tugs on the retina. Imagine stretching a rubber band—it might snap back with force. That tugging can stimulate the retina, making you “see” light even when there isn’t any. If the retina tears during this process, it can lead to retinal detachment—a medical emergency that can cause severe and permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.
While occasional floaters or flashes might not be a sign of something serious, it’s crucial to recognize when they demand immediate medical attention. Get check right away if you experience the following:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- New flashes of light in one or both eyes
- A shadow or curtain coming down over part of your vision
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Trouble seeing in dim light or tunnel vision
These symptoms could point to a retinal tear or detachment, which, if caught early, can most likely be treated successfully with surgery or laser procedures. Don’t ignore the signs. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of protecting your eyesight.
Give us a call at 602-242-4928 or schedule online at WEBSITE to book your comprehensive eye exam today. At Associated Retina Consultants, we emphasize the importance of preventative care. A dilated eye exam can detect problems long before symptoms appear. Taking the time for a few quick and painless tests can give you peace of mind— or early answers when something isn’t quite right.