Is seeing flashing lights in your eye a sign of retinal detachment?

Flashing lights are pinpricks, arcs or streaks of light seen in your vision. They are commonly due to traction of the vitreous gel on the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. 

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a relatively common occurrence in patients over the age of 50 years. It develops when the vitreous gel separates from the retina causing either flashing lights, an increase in floaters, a combination of these two or no symptoms at all.

Here, one of our expert ophthalmologists Miss Miriam Minihan explains what flashing lights in the eyes looks like, whether it really is a sign of retinal tear and when you should see an eye doctor.

Can you describe what flashing lights look like?

In the setting of PVD, they are most commonly described as flashing lights appearing out of the corner of your eye. It is as if someone has taken a flash photograph to the side, or there has been a flash of lightening but as you turn to check you realise the light is not from outside.
 

Are flashing lights a sign of retinal detachment?

Flashing lights do not automatically mean that you have a retinal tear but you do need examination by a retinal specialist to rule out a tear and to treat if necessary. A retinal tear develops when the vitreous pulls on a weakened area of the retina or an area where the vitreous gel is more strongly attached (as in lattice degeneration of the retina, for example).

The retinal tear is visible on the retina only with an extensive examination by a specialist. The advantage of diagnosing a retinal tear is that it can be treated before it causes a sight-threatening retinal detachment.
 

What are other possible causes of flashing lights?

Flashing lights can also be caused by other eye conditions such as migraine and eye injury. Glare around car lights or street lights can be due to cataracts, multifocal lenses inserted during cataract surgery and following refractive surgery.
 

When should someone see a doctor?

You should see a retinal specialist without delay if you have any of the following:
 

• New flashing lights, which you haven’t noticed before 
• An increase in flashing lights 
• You see flashes of light along with clouds or dots in your vision 
• You see a dark area or ‘curtain’ in your vision.
   

Miss Minihan is an expert in treating cataracts, eye floaters, retinal detachment and many more serious eye problems. You can book an appointment via her Top Doctors profile here.