Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplicationsDiagnosisWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Complications
Diagnosis
When to See a Provider
Experiencing flashing lights in your eyes could be a sign of a variety of issues. Such flashes, also known asphotopsia, can be a symptom of different conditions, including aretinal detachment, where the light-sensitive retina pulls away from the back of the eye or a retinal tear.
An occasional flash is likely not anything to be unduly concerned about. But if it’s persistent or you notice what looks like jagged lightning strikes or shooting stars, you should seek medical attention, as it may be a serious threat to your vision.
Edwin Tan / Getty Images
In cases of photopsia, you may see the following:
What causes you to see flashes of light?Anything that tugs on the retina can have this effect. Usually, this is the result of aging, where the vitreous jelly shrinks and pulls away from the back of the eye in a posterior vitreous detachment. But at times, this can be a sign of a serious retinal detachment or tear. It can also be a sign of a migraine in some cases.
What causes you to see flashes of light?
Anything that tugs on the retina can have this effect. Usually, this is the result of aging, where the vitreous jelly shrinks and pulls away from the back of the eye in a posterior vitreous detachment. But at times, this can be a sign of a serious retinal detachment or tear. It can also be a sign of a migraine in some cases.
Can dehydration cause flashing lights in the eyes?Flashing lights can be a symptom of an ocular migraine. Dehydration, a lack of sleep, and stress are all triggers for these migraines.
Can dehydration cause flashing lights in the eyes?
Flashing lights can be a symptom of an ocular migraine. Dehydration, a lack of sleep, and stress are all triggers for these migraines.
Medications
Some medications have also been associated with light flashes. Such medications include:
Some flashes of light, seen occasionally, require no treatment. But if you see frequent flashes of light, you will need to consult with an ophthalmologist who can treat the underlying condition causing them.
Possible treatments include the following:
Complications and Risk Factors
If you are experiencing flashes of light, there is a possibility that something may be affecting your retina. You may be experiencing a retinal detachment or a tear, both of which can be sight-threatening and need immediate attention.
Risk factors associated with experiencing flashes of light can include the following:
If you are experiencing flashes of light, an ophthalmologist should be able to identify the underlying cause with the aid of a clinical exam. In addition, the ophthalmologist may perform an ultrasound to help detect a posterior vitreous or retinal detachment.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
While seeing an occasional flash of light is not a real cause for concern, some symptoms signal you should seek eye care. Be sure to contact an ophthalmologist promptly if:
Summary
You may commonly see periodic flashes of light due to a posterior vitreous detachment as you age. Other common causes of flashes of light include migraines, diabetes-related retinal scarring, and retinal tears and detachment.
Some medications, such as digitalis or anti-malaria drugs like chloroquinoline and hydroxychloroquine, can be associated with flashing lights.
When treatment is necessary, this usually involves getting to the root of the problem, such as reattaching the retina or repairing a retinal tear. Be sure to see a healthcare provider if you notice a sudden shower of new flashes, new floaters, or diminished side vision.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Duke Health.Flashing lights in the eye: when to see a doctor.MSD Manual.Eye Flashes and FloatersBiotech.Flashes of Light Photopsia: Causes & TreatmentUniversity of Michigan.Flashes and flickers.National Eye Institute.Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (OHS)American Academy of Ophthalmology.What Are Macular Neovascular Membranes (MNV)?UCLA Health.HIV-Related Eye ProblemsBrigham and Women’s Hospital.Visual MigrainePescador Ruschel MA, De Jesus O.Migraine Headache. [Updated 2024 Jul 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.Shi L, Sun LD, Odel JG.Colored floaters as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity.Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2018;10:233-235. doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2018.02.024Review of Ophthalmology.Common medication that may be toxic to the retina.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Flashes of light.National Eye Institute.Retinal detachment.National Health Services.Treatment diabetic retinopathy.University of Michigan Health.Floaters and flashes.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Detached retina.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Duke Health.Flashing lights in the eye: when to see a doctor.MSD Manual.Eye Flashes and FloatersBiotech.Flashes of Light Photopsia: Causes & TreatmentUniversity of Michigan.Flashes and flickers.National Eye Institute.Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (OHS)American Academy of Ophthalmology.What Are Macular Neovascular Membranes (MNV)?UCLA Health.HIV-Related Eye ProblemsBrigham and Women’s Hospital.Visual MigrainePescador Ruschel MA, De Jesus O.Migraine Headache. [Updated 2024 Jul 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.Shi L, Sun LD, Odel JG.Colored floaters as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity.Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2018;10:233-235. doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2018.02.024Review of Ophthalmology.Common medication that may be toxic to the retina.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Flashes of light.National Eye Institute.Retinal detachment.National Health Services.Treatment diabetic retinopathy.University of Michigan Health.Floaters and flashes.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Detached retina.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Duke Health.Flashing lights in the eye: when to see a doctor.MSD Manual.Eye Flashes and FloatersBiotech.Flashes of Light Photopsia: Causes & TreatmentUniversity of Michigan.Flashes and flickers.National Eye Institute.Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (OHS)American Academy of Ophthalmology.What Are Macular Neovascular Membranes (MNV)?UCLA Health.HIV-Related Eye ProblemsBrigham and Women’s Hospital.Visual MigrainePescador Ruschel MA, De Jesus O.Migraine Headache. [Updated 2024 Jul 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.Shi L, Sun LD, Odel JG.Colored floaters as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity.Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2018;10:233-235. doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2018.02.024Review of Ophthalmology.Common medication that may be toxic to the retina.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Flashes of light.National Eye Institute.Retinal detachment.National Health Services.Treatment diabetic retinopathy.University of Michigan Health.Floaters and flashes.American Academy of Ophthalmology.Detached retina.
Duke Health.Flashing lights in the eye: when to see a doctor.
MSD Manual.Eye Flashes and Floaters
Biotech.Flashes of Light Photopsia: Causes & Treatment
University of Michigan.Flashes and flickers.
National Eye Institute.Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (OHS)
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What Are Macular Neovascular Membranes (MNV)?
UCLA Health.HIV-Related Eye Problems
Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Visual Migraine
Pescador Ruschel MA, De Jesus O.Migraine Headache. [Updated 2024 Jul 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
Shi L, Sun LD, Odel JG.Colored floaters as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity.Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2018;10:233-235. doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2018.02.024
Review of Ophthalmology.Common medication that may be toxic to the retina.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Flashes of light.
National Eye Institute.Retinal detachment.
National Health Services.Treatment diabetic retinopathy.
University of Michigan Health.Floaters and flashes.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Detached retina.
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