Flashes

This could be a symptom of retinal detachment and you should see an ophthalmologist as a matter of urgency to confirm it. They are generally observed at the side when the eyes are open or closed. They last a few tenths of a second, are very fast, but appear continuously. It should be treated immediately, as the chances of recovery are improved if the macula or central area of the retina does not become detached.

Retinal detachment is an eye disorder caused by the spontaneous detachment of the neurosensory retina (inner layer of the retina) from the pigment epithelium (outer layer). When detachment occurs, fluid accumulates in the space left between the layers, and the detached retina cannot function or nourish itself properly.

If left untreated, the retinal detachment can eventually lead to a complete loss of the functioning of the eye (blindness).

For more information on this disease, click on this link.

How to act?

• Retinal detachment can be caused by accidents (eye trauma) or as a result of another disease: tumours, severe inflammation, macular holes in patients suffering from high myopia, diabetic retinopathy. It is therefore important for patients in the high-risk group to undergo regular eye check-ups at least once a year.
• In the event of the sudden appearance or increase of floaters, light flashes or any of the above symptoms, the patient should visit the ophthalmologist as a matter of urgency.