Flashes in the eyes - this is one of the important signs indicating a violation of the retina. This phenomenon in medicine is called photopsy. The retina has the ability to generate nerve impulses and transmit them to the brain, thus forming a visual image. Many people are wondering why a flash in the eyes is sometimes accompanied by dizziness, spasmodic headaches and decreased visual function. Let's try to understand the reasons for the appearance of such symptoms, and at the same time consider how to deal with them.
What can cause outbreaks?
Let's consider the most probable causes of such a pathology. Flashes in the eyes may appear in such cases:
- Inflammatory processes occurring in the vitreous body of the eye. This disease is called retinitis.
- The appearance of a tumor on the retina.
- The vascular membranes of the eye, which provide blood supply to the retina, become inflamed. This disease is called choroiditis.
- The optic nerve becomes inflamed and leads to a disease called neuritis.
- Retinal detachment.
Such manifestations as flashes in the eyes do not have a negativeinfluence on visual functions. But this symptom cannot be ignored, as it may hide the development of a serious illness. To prevent pathological processes occurring in the retina and other problems in the work of the visual system, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis in a timely manner by visiting an ophthalmological office.
There are other types of diseases in which flashes or flickering can occur. These include:
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Cervical osteochondrosis.
- High or low blood pressure.
- Anemia.
- Internal bleeding.
- Toxin poisoning.
- Pain in the head.
- Increased intracranial pressure.
Diagnostic Methods
If a person has flashes in the eyes, the causes of their occurrence can be established by an ophthalmologist. This will require a series of diagnostic measures:
- Ophthalmoscopy. With the help of special equipment (fundus lens, ophtholmoscope), the doctor examines the fundus and assesses the condition of the retina, optic nerve head and blood vessels.
- Ultrasound examination of the eyeball. Such a study is necessary if the result during the initial examination was not enough.
- Checking visual acuity.
- Coherence tomography (OCT). This study allows non-contact visualization of eye structures in a higher resolution (1-15 microns) than with ultrasound.
- Electrotonography. Eye pressure test.
- Fluorescent angiography. X-ray method of research, with which you can check the condition of the vascular system in the eyeball.
- Perimetry. This research method allows you to determine the boundaries of visual fields and identify possible defects.
Symptomatics
Depending on the disease, sparks, flickering spots and bright flashes in the eyes may appear. The causes of such phenomena can be established by an ophthalmologist.
The manifestation of symptoms may occur after prolonged work at the computer, with eye fatigue, with nervous strain of the visual system. Sparks may vary in brightness and color. Often they look like a glow, floating bright spots and flashes that make it difficult to see any object. Non-existent images that were captured by the visual system in the process of work or other activities may flash in the eyes. These features are associated with the work of the nervous system.
Nerve endings located in the eyeball are responsible for many functions of vision. If there are problems in this system, flashes in the eyes may appear. Symptoms should not be ignored, as they often hide a serious he alth threat.
Methods of treating pathology
Methods of therapy entirely depend on the reasons that caused the development of such a pathology. To establish the diagnosis, you will need to consult an ophthalmologist. For more complex diseases, such as oncology, an examination is required.other specialists.
There are two types of surgical treatment of diseases:
- Removal of pathology by laser. The affected areas of the retina are targeted with a laser beam. But this method of therapy is used very rarely, as it is little studied.
- Surgical intervention. This method produces the removal of the vitreous body of the eye and replaces it by applying a special solution. This method of treatment is used in rare cases, as it can lead to retinal detachment, cause hemorrhage and clouding of the lens.
If flashes in the eyes are not associated with serious illnesses, drugs are used to normalize metabolic processes and eliminate symptoms in the form of flickering and flashes.
- Emoxipin 1% is used to strengthen the vessels of the eye. The medicine is intended to protect the vitreous body of the eye from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. Also, the tool reduces the likelihood of hemorrhage, helps to normalize the circulation of fluid in the visual organ.
- The inflammatory process can be removed with the help of "Wobenzym". This medicine has an analgesic effect, normalizes the structure of the blood, provides proper nutrition to the tissues.
If the cause of the outbreaks is retinal detachment, laser coagulation and surgery are used. In inflammatory processes, the doctor may prescribe antibacterial agents and corticosteroid drugs. If the disease has cancercharacter, complex therapy will be required.
Preventive measures
There are a lot of reasons for the appearance of such pathologies as flashes in the eyes, so the only way to prevent the development of the disease is to contact an ophthalmologist in a timely manner. Other types of prevention in this case are not provided.
When should I go to the optometrist?
A visit to the ophthalmologist cannot be avoided if such problems arise:
- The flashes are bright and long-lasting, and their appearance began after a head injury.
- If sparks and light spots precede fainting.
- If outbreaks are numerous and very frequent.
- If a patient has diabetes mellitus or hypertension, then against the background of these diseases, damage to the structure of the eye can occur, which causes glare and flashes.
The danger of an untimely visit to the doctor lies in the threat of losing sight.
