Eye floaters and flashes are caused due to a natural shrinking of the gel-like fluid in the eye, which occurs with aging. Floaters appear in the natural field of vision in small shapes, while flashes appear to look like camera lights or lightning strikes. They could signify a severe eye condition, including retinal detachment. If you have been experiencing flashes in your field of vision and concerned about your eye health, call to speak with an optometrist with us at The Family Eye Site in Pembroke Pines, FL, to learn more about your symptoms and if there should be any concerns.
What Are Eye Flashes?
There may be times when you are looking at something and suddenly see bright flashing lights out of the corner of your eye. These flashes may result from stress or migraine pain, but they can also signify a more serious medical or vision condition, such as a retinal detachment. If you are experiencing flashes, it may be a good idea to seek treatment from our optometrist who can help diagnose the cause.
What Do Eye Flashes Look Like?
Eye flashes can be described differently, depending upon the patient, their visual health, and the cause. Many people who suffer from eye flashes see bright spots of light, streaks of light, jagged light (similar to lightning bolts), and bursts of light identical to fireworks or other bursts of light.
What Parts of the Eye Are Affected by Eye Flashes?
Eye flashes typically appear off to the side of the eye and affect the optic nerve and retina. Additionally, seeing flashes of light may be a symptom of a migraine, causing pain and sensitivity throughout the entire eye, especially when in bright light conditions. Our optometrist may be able to provide more information.
Can You Experience Eye Flashes and Eye Floaters at the Same Time?
It is possible to experience both eye floaters and eye flashes simultaneously. You can experience both symptoms together because both of these conditions occur in the vitreous pupils on the retina, which can cause tension, allowing both to happen simultaneously or on their own.
Visit Our Optometrist on Our Optometry Team for Your Eye Flashes
If you are seeing flashes or are concerned with your overall eye health, call to schedule an appointment with our optometrist at The Family Eye Site in Pembroke Pines, FL. We offer eye exams to help those with vision problems see clearly and to help diagnose various treatments in order to better ensure our patients' overall health and wellness. Call us at (954) 430-8330.