Flashes of light or specks (commonly known as floaters) in your vision can be surprising and even unsettling. Whether they appear as quick streaks of light in the corner of your eye or as floating spots that drift across your vision, these symptoms can be signs of several eye conditions—some harmless, others potentially serious.
Understanding Flashes and Floaters
Before diving into the causes, it’s important to understand what these phenomena are and how they typically appear.
What Are Floaters?
Floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous—the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, which appear as:
- Small dots
- Specks
- Cobweb-like strands
- Shadowy shapes drifting through your vision
What Are Flashes?
Flashes are brief bursts or streaks of light, often described as:
- Lightning bolts
- Sparkles
- Camera flashes
- Quick glows in the peripheral vision
They can occur occasionally and last for a few seconds or recur frequently depending on the cause.
Common Causes of Flashes and Specks in Your Vision
1. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
One of the most common causes of floaters and flashes of light in the eye.
- Occurs when the vitreous gel begins to shrink and pull away from the retina.
- Most commonly affects people over age 50.
- Typically harmless but can mimic symptoms of more serious retinal issues.
- Flashes of light in peripheral vision
- Sudden increase in floaters
- Cobweb-like shadows
- Light streaks in one eye
When to worry: If accompanied by a sudden shower of floaters or a dark curtain-like shadow, it may signal a retinal tear or detachment.
2. Retinal Tear or Retinal Detachment
A medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Happens when the retina is pulled and tears, potentially leading to detachment.
- The space beneath the retina fills with fluid, separating it from the back wall of the eye.
- Sudden onset of flashes of light in one eye
- Floaters that increase rapidly in number
- Shadow or curtain over part of your vision
- Visual distortion or blurriness
Keywords addressed:
- flashes of light in eye
- flashes of light in peripheral vision
- why am I seeing flashes of light in the corner of my eye?
Urgent Action: Visit an ophthalmologist or emergency room immediately if these symptoms occur.
3. Ocular Migraine (Retinal or Visual Migraine)
Can cause flashes of light with or without headache.
- Caused by reduced blood flow to the retina or visual disturbances from migraine activity in the brain.
- Usually resolves within 30 minutes.
- Zigzag lines or flashing lights
- Temporary blind spots
- Visual aura
- Occurs in both eyes (unlike retinal detachment)
Not typically serious, but recurring episodes should be discussed with a doctor.
4. Age-Related Changes in the Vitreous
As we age, the gel-like vitreous becomes more liquid and less transparent.
- Common after age 40
- Harmless in most cases
- Floaters are more noticeable when looking at bright, plain backgrounds (e.g., the sky or a white wall)
- Small specks or strands that move with your gaze
- Occasional brief light flashes
- No significant visual impairment
5. Inflammation (Uveitis or Vitritis)
Inflammation of the uvea or vitreous can cause both floaters and flashes.
- May be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or trauma.
- More common in younger adults.
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Eye pain
- Persistent floaters and flashing lights
Requires evaluation by an eye specialist.
6. Trauma or Injury to the Eye
Any blunt force trauma can cause retinal damage, vitreous separation, or hemorrhage.
Symptoms:
- Sudden floaters or flashes after impact
- Decreased vision
- Eye pain or redness
Seek immediate care after any eye injury, especially with flashing lights or vision loss.
7. High Myopia (Nearsightedness)
People with high myopia are more prone to retinal tears and detachments.
- The eye is longer than average, causing more strain on the retina.
- Floaters and flashes may appear earlier in life.
Monitoring by an eye doctor is essential.
8. Eye Surgeries or Procedures
Cataract surgery or laser treatments can sometimes cause PVD or retinal complications.
Symptoms:
- New floaters or flashes post-procedure
- Gradual return to normal if uncomplicated
- Persistent symptoms may need follow-up
9. Diabetes-Related Eye Conditions
Diabetic Retinopathy and Vitreous Hemorrhage can cause visual disturbances.
- Blood vessels in the retina become damaged
- Can lead to bleeding into the vitreous
- Floaters resembling smoke or cobwebs
- Sudden light flashes
- Vision loss or blurring
Requires diabetic eye care and regular screening.
Common Causes of Flashes and Floaters
| Cause | Key Symptoms | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Posterior Vitreous Detachment | Floaters, light flashes, cobweb shapes | Monitor unless severe |
| Retinal Detachment | Sudden flashes, curtain vision, vision loss | Emergency |
| Ocular Migraine | Zigzag lines, light flashes, aura | Usually benign |
| Inflammation (Uveitis) | Pain, light flashes, blurred vision | Needs medical care |
| Eye Trauma | Floaters and light after impact | Emergency |
| Diabetes-related | Floaters, blurry vision, occasional flashes | High priority |
Why Am I Seeing Flashes of Light in the Corner of My Eye?
This specific symptom—flashes of light in peripheral vision or in the corner of the eye—often signals:
- Vitreous pulling on the retina (common in PVD)
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Ocular migraine aura
The peripheral retina is sensitive, and any disturbance can cause light signals interpreted as flashes. If these flashes are new, persistent, or increasing, consult an eye specialist immediately.
Flashes of Light in One Eye vs. Both Eyes
- One eye: More concerning, often related to retinal issues (detachment, PVD, tear)
- Both eyes: More likely neurological (e.g., migraine aura)
Knowing which eye is affected can help narrow down the diagnosis and urgency.
When Are Flashes and Floaters an Emergency?
Seek immediate medical attention if:
- Flashes are sudden and frequent
- You notice a curtain or shadow across your vision
- You see a sudden increase in floaters
- Your central vision becomes blurry
- You experience vision loss in one eye
Quick action can save your sight in the case of a retinal detachment.
Diagnostic Tests Your Eye Doctor May Use
To diagnose the cause, your ophthalmologist may perform:
- Dilated eye exam
- Ocular coherence tomography (OCT)
- Ultrasound of the eye (if view is obstructed)
- Fluorescein angiography (for vascular issues)
- Visual field testing (for neurological symptoms)
Treatment Options Based on the Cause
| Condition | Treatment Options |
|---|---|
| Posterior Vitreous Detachment | Observation; follow-up for retina checks |
| Retinal Tear/Detachment | Laser surgery, cryotherapy, vitrectomy |
| Ocular Migraine | Rest, migraine medication, hydration |
| Uveitis | Steroids, anti-inflammatory eye drops |
| Vitreous Hemorrhage | Blood sugar control, possible vitrectomy |
Can You Prevent Flashes and Floaters?
While some causes (like aging) are inevitable, you can reduce your risk by:
- Getting regular eye exams—especially after age 40
- Controlling chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
- Protecting your eyes from trauma
- Noticing early warning signs and acting quickly
When to See an Eye Doctor
You should consult an ophthalmologist if you:
- Experience new or increasing flashes of light
- Notice sudden onset floaters
- See a dark curtain or shadow over your vision
- Have any trauma to the eye
- Have diabetes or high myopia with changes in vision
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Flashes and specks in your vision are common but not always harmless.
- Most often caused by vitreous changes, retinal issues, or ocular migraines.
- Flashes in one eye or in the peripheral vision are more concerning.
- Sudden changes require prompt eye exams to prevent vision loss.
- Regular monitoring, early detection, and proactive care are critical to eye health.
Final Thoughts
While the occasional floater or light flash may not signal danger, knowing the difference between benign and serious causes can protect your vision. If you’re wondering, “why am I seeing flashes of light in the corner of my eye?”, it’s always better to be safe and schedule a comprehensive eye exam.