What is it?
It is a symptom in which patient sees sparks of light in some portion
of his visual field. Flashes are seen more commonly in dark as in
late evening, night or in early morning.
What is its importance?
Flashes are premonitory symptom of impending or early retinal detachment.
Retinal detachment is one of the serious diseases of the eye. It
is important to consult your eye surgeon if you notice flashes.
It is because of certain changes in
vitreous (liquid of eye) known as posterior
vitreous detachment. There is a retinal tear or hole formation,
which leads to retinal detachment.
So, every patient complaining of flashes should be examined on
the urgent bases because there could be retinal detachment.
The site of visible flashes gives clue to the part of retina,
which is diseased. Usually it is in the side opposite to where the
retinal detachment is impending or has occurred.
Why these flashes are seen?
These flashes of light are seen because of movements and stretching
of the retina during detachment which gives some sensations to the
retinal receptors and give rise to the sensation of flashes.
What to do if you see flashes?
Immediately consult your eye surgeon to find out the cause
of flashes. If retinal detachment has occurred, it may need to be
repaired surgically. If not, regular follow up is necessary to check
if retinal detachment develops later.
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