Experiencing flashing lights in your eyes could be a sign of a variety of issues.

An occasional flash is likely not anything to be unduly concerned about.

Anything that tugs on the retina can have this effect.

Person undergoing an eye examination

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But at times, this can be a sign of a serious retinal detachment or tear.

It can also be a sign of a migraine in some cases.

Flashing lights can be a symptom of an ocular migraine.

Dehydration, a lack of sleep, and stress are all triggers for these migraines.

Medications

Some medications have also been associated with light flashes.

Such medications include:

Treatment

Some flashes of light, seen occasionally, require no treatment.

In addition, the ophthalmologist may perform an ultrasound to help detect a posterior vitreous or retinal detachment.

Other common causes of flashes of light include migraines, diabetes-related retinal scarring, and retinal tears and detachment.

Duke Health.Flashing lights in the eye: when to see a doctor.

MSD Manual.Eye Flashes and Floaters

Biotech.Flashes of Light Photopsia: Causes & Treatment

University of Michigan.Flashes and flickers.

National Eye Institute.Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (OHS)

American Academy of Ophthalmology.What Are Macular Neovascular Membranes (MNV)?

UCLA Health.HIV-Related Eye Problems

Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Visual Migraine

Pescador Ruschel MA, De Jesus O.Migraine Headache.

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American Academy of Ophthalmology.Flashes of light.

National Eye Institute.Retinal detachment.

National Health Services.Treatment diabetic retinopathy.

University of Michigan Health.Floaters and flashes.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Detached retina.