Ever wonder why you see little flashes of light or “stars” in your peripheral vision? There can be several reasons. Peripheral flashes can affect either one or both eyes, and can present in various shapes, colors, sizes, and durations.
Why You See Flashes Of Light In the Corner of Your Eye
Some causes of peripheral flashes may be related to eye health, although other health conditions can also cause a person to see sparks or flashes.
Some reasons that flashes occur include:
- Retinal detachment - when the retina is pulled away from its normal position. This serious eye condition can lead to total or partial blindness, so it requires immediate medical attention.
- Optic neuritis - the inflammation of the optic nerve, caused either by infection or nerve-related disorders. This is an emergency.
- Posterior vitreous detachment - one of the most common causes of seeing flashes, and a normal part of aging. Posterior vitreous detachment occurs when the vitreous humor detaches from the retina. If this process happens suddenly, it can cause the patient to see small flashes of light, or the sudden appearance of a large floater inside the eye..
- Increased eye pressure - another possible reason for seeing flashes in your peripheral vision. This can happen if you rub your eyes, cough forcefully, or receive a blow to the head. Sports accidents such as being hit by a fast moving ball or fist can impact the eye, causing a sudden spike in the eye pressure. Situations such as these, may require emergency medical attention.
When Should You Call Your Eye Doctor?
You should treat all flashes of light as an eye emergency if you also experience any of the following:
- A sudden onset of flashes in the corner of your eye
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Partial vision loss
- Darkened vision
Contact us in the event of any eye emergency. We treat patients in our 6 convenient locations: Conroe, The Woodlands, Louetta, Greenspoint, Kingwood, and Grand Parkway.
At Eye Trends, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 936-441-3937 or book an appointment online to see one of our Conroe eye doctors.
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