Photopsia is the presence of perceived flashes of light in the Visual field.
It is most commonly associated with:
Vitreous shrinkage or liquefaction, which is the most common cause of photopsia, causes a pull in vitreoretinal attachments, irritating the retina and causing it to discharge electrical impulses. These impulses are interpreted by the brain as flashes.
This condition has also been identified as a common initial symptom of punctate inner choroiditis (PIC),
Photopsia can present as retinal detachment when examined by an Optometry or Ophthalmology. However, it can also be a sign of uveal melanoma.
Causes
Several conditions affecting the eyes can cause photopsia to occur. The underlying condition must be identified and treated to resolve the symptoms.
Peripheral (posterior) vitreous detachment
Peripheral (posterior) vitreous detachment occurs when the gel around the
eye separates from the
retina. This can naturally occur with age. However, if it occurs too rapidly, it can cause photopsia which manifests in flashes and
in the
Visual field. Typically, the flashes and floaters go away in a few months.
Retinal detachment
The retina lines the inside of the
eye. It is light-sensitive and communicates visual messages to the brain. If the retina detaches, it moves and shifts from its normal position. This can cause photopsia, but can also cause permanent vision loss. Medical attention is needed to prevent vision loss. Procedures may include laser treatment, freezing, or
surgery.
Age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition among people aged 50 and older. The macula is a part of the eye that helps you see sharply straight ahead. With AMD, the macula slowly deteriorates which can cause photopsia.
Ocular (retinal) migraine / Migraine aura
are a type of recurring headache. Migraines typically cause severe pain in the head, but can also cause visual changes known as auras. Migraines can also cause
visual snow.
Optic neuritis
Optic neuritis is an
inflammation that damages the
optic nerve. It's linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). Along with flickering or flashing with
eye movement, symptoms include pain, loss of
Color vision, and vision loss.
Occipital lobe infarction (stroke) or ischemia
The
occipital lobe is one of four lobes in the
brain. It controls the ability to see things. Impaired blood flow to the cells of the occipital lobe (
ischemia, for example as caused by a TIA or Vertebrobasilar insufficiency) will lead to temporary visual problems; if the poor blood flow is sustained it will lead to
cell death (
infarction, for example as caused by a
stroke) which may cause persistent visual problems.
The main symptoms associated with an occipital lobe infarction involve changes to vision such as:
-
Blurred vision
-
blindness, which may affect part of vision only
-
, such as flashing lights (photopsia): usually only in the context of blindness
Sensory deprivation (Ophthalmopathic hallucinations)
Sensory deprivation or ophthalmopathic hallucination are
that appear in the
Visual field.
Appearance
Photopsias is defined as an effect on the vision that causes appearances of anomalies in the
Visual field. Photopsias usually appear as:
-
flickering lights
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shimmering lights
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floating shapes
-
moving dots
-
Visual snow
Photopsias are not generally a condition on their own, but a symptom of another condition.
See also
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Engmann, Birk (2008). "Phosphenes and photopsias – ischaemic origin or sensorial deprivation? – Case history." Z. Neuropsychol. 19(1): 7–13.
-
-
Sihota, Ramanjit. Tandon, Radhika.(2011). Parsons' Disease of the Eye. 2011. Edition 21st. pp. 90–91.
