Twinkling in the eyes
Symptoms
Related diseases
Twinkling in the eyes, often described as seeing flashes of light or shimmering lights, can be associated with various underlying conditions. Here are some key points regarding twinkling in the eyes:
Possible Causes
- Migraine Aura:
- Description: Visual disturbances that occur before or during a migraine headache.
- Symptoms: Flashes of light, zigzag patterns, or shimmering lights.
- Duration: Typically lasts 20 to 60 minutes before subsiding.
- Retinal Detachment:
- Description: A serious condition where the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue.
- Symptoms: Sudden flashes or twinkling lights, increased floaters, and a shadow or curtain over part of the visual field.
- Urgency: Requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD):
- Description: A common condition where the vitreous gel that fills the eye separates from the retina.
- Symptoms: Flashes or twinkling lights, floaters, and brief disturbances in vision.
- Risk Group: More common in older adults.
- Photopsia:
- Description: The presence of perceived flashes of light.
- Symptoms: Bright flashes or twinkling lights, usually brief and may recur.
- Causes: Can be related to various retinal or neurological conditions.
- Optic Neuritis:
- Description: Inflammation of the optic nerve.
- Symptoms: Vision loss in one eye, pain with eye movement, and flashes of light.
- Association: Sometimes associated with multiple sclerosis.
Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology