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But these are all considered specialty procedures, so you will need an eye expert to help you.Įvery surgery is a little different, and the care you need might be different than the care someone else needs. Every surgery is a little different, and the care you need might be different than the care someone else needs. Per Australian Family Physician, doctors can perform a vitrectomy to remove the gel inside your eye (which can fix bleeding tissues), to push the retina back into place, and to hold it there as it heals. If you have a migraine, doctors might use medications to soothe the electrical firestorm in your mind.īut if the flashes are caused by retinal detachment or some other retinal issue, you will need eye surgery. If you have a stroke, for example, your doctors will work to remove the blood clot and restore blood flow. The treatment you will need depends on the issue causing your flashes. Severe pain in your eyes, especially after you've been hit in the head, should also prompt quick medical care. You should also see a doctor immediately if the flashes are accompanied by numbness or an inability to talk.
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But in about one person in six, the reduction leads to retinal detachment. This is a common problem, says Harvard Medical School, as about a quarter of people have shrinkage by age 60. Sometimes, it tugs on the retina, and that can lead to flashes and sparks. As you age, that material gets smaller and smaller. A thick, gel-like substance keeps your retina in place. This is a medical emergency, as the longer the tear remains, the more likely it is that you will have permanent vision loss. Your brain interprets the break as a flash of light. The retina needs a steady flow of blood to work right, and when that is interrupted through a tear, your information flow breaks down. A small slice of tissue in the back of your eye transforms light into images.
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When you see them in your visual field but others can't see them, you could be dealing with an eye illness or another health problem.įlashes in your eyes are often caused by both eye-specific issues and general health issues. When your eyes are healthy and working well, the only flashes you see come from outside your body. But there are steps you can take at home to monitor your vision and protect your eyes, so you will be ready if the flashing starts. Some conditions that cause flashing lights can't be prevented. Once you arrive, you will need a thorough eye exam, and you might need surgery to preserve your vision. If they are new, intense, or very disturbing, they could be a sign of a serious illness your doctor should treat. But flashing lights can be caused by several different medical conditions, including retinal detachment, shrinking vitreous humor, eye hemorrhage, stroke, or migraine. Unless you are watching fireworks on the 4th of July, you do not expect to see lights streaking across your visual field.