Eyes like seeing a flash of light, why?

Seeing the reflection of the light from the mirror, will definitely make your eyes dazzle. As much as possible, keep or cover your eyes from those annoying flashes of light. However, have you ever felt a sensation like seeing a flash of light in your eye, but nothing made you dazzled? What is the cause?

Phenomena such as seeing a flash of light in the eye

Phenomena such as seeing a flash of light (flashes) in the eye in medical terms is known as photopsia (fotopsia). Photopsia is a condition that can occur in one or both eyes at the same time.

Photopsia is not an eye disease, but a symptom. Phenomena such as seeing flashes of light can disappear quickly, occur intermittently, or repeat for long periods of time.

Apart from seeing fast flash light, photopsia also causes several vision disorders, such as:

• The sensation of dark vision was bright bright rapidly like a flashing light
• The presence of moving bright spots on vision

What causes photopsia?

Based on the results of a study published in the journal American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2015, there were 32 medical conditions known to cause photopsia.

Some of the most common causes of photopsia are:

1. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) are natural changes that occur in the eye naturally. This condition occurs when the vitreous gel (the gel that fills the eye) separates from the retina (the light-sensitive nerve layer at the back of the eye).

This condition usually occurs in people over 60 years of age. The main symptom is the appearance of a sensation like seeing a flash of light in the eye.

2. Retinal detachment

The retina serves to coat the inside of the eye which is very sensitive to light. When light enters, the retina sends visual messages to the brain.

Retinal detachment is a condition where the retina is displaced from its normal position. Retinal detachment can also cause a sensation such as seeing a flash of light in the eye. This condition must be treated immediately to prevent permanent ablation that can lead to blindness.

3. Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, also known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). This condition is very common in people aged 50 years or older.

The macula is the part of the eye that helps you see sharper ahead. However, as we get older, the macula gets worse and causes the sensation of seeing a flash in the eye.

4. Migraine

Migraine is a type of recurring headache. Apart from the sensation of pain in the head, visual disturbances (visual changes) can also occur.

When you have a migraine and accompanied by visual changes, this condition is called an aura, which can cause photophobia (sensitivity to bright light) and photopsia.

The visual phenomenon due to migraine usually occurs in both eyes at once, but the photopsia may appear larger than the other.

5. Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis is inflammation that attacks the optic nerve, aka the visual nerve. This condition is common in people who have multiple sclerosis (conditions that affect the nerve cells of the brain and spine).

Besides the sensation like seeing a flash of light in the eye, people with multiple sclerosis it can also be difficult to control eye movements. The eye can feel sore, the feeling of seeing colors, even blindness.

6. Diabetes

Diabetes can cause many changes to your vision. Floatersphotopsia, or blinds over the field of vision may appear when diabetes affects vision function. However, diabetes patients will usually return to normal viewing if their blood sugar levels return to normal levels.

7. Phosphene

Phosphene is photopsia that is visible without a light source. This condition is described as flashes of light or colored spots. Shades of flash of light phosphene which dances in front of the eye is thought to be caused by the electric charge generated by the retina and is still attached.

Phosphene It can also occur as a result of everyday stimuli that put pressure on the eye (retina), such as too strong sneezing, laughing, coughing, or standing up too quickly. Physical pressure on the retina then stimulates the nerve of the eye until it finally produces phosphenes.

That's why rubbing or pressing on the eyeball when closing the eye can also produce the same flash pattern. But remember, don't do it too often, especially with hard and deliberate pressure. This can harm your eyes.

The activity of the electrical and mechanical signals that the retina receives can create sparks of color or patterns that can change randomly. The frequency, duration, and type of effects that occur are all influenced by which part of the neuron is stimulated at that time.

In addition, other physical factors such as low blood pressure or too little oxygen intake can increase the intensity of the flashes of light when you close your eyes.

Is it the sensation of seeing a flash of light in the eye?

Experiencing the feeling of seeing a flash of light in the eye is harmless if it occurs occasionally and quickly disappears. However, you should see a doctor immediately, if the photopsia occurs more frequently or lasts a long time.

The appearance of these symptoms can be the first sign of a problem with eye health, such as macular degeneration or retinal detachment.

Especially if the feeling is like seeing a flash of light in the eye followed by symptoms of dizziness, headache, or vomiting. The doctor will make a diagnosis to find out the exact cause of the complaint you are experiencing. After that, then the doctor will determine the appropriate treatment.

Maintain the health of your eyes by being sensitive to any emerging conditions characterized by things you have never experienced before.