If you see shooting stars or streaks of lightning in your line of vision on a regular basis, take heed. Although seeing flashing light can be a normal sign of aging, you shouldn't see shooting stars or lightning streaks all the time. You could have something wrong with the retinas in your eyes. Learn more about flashing light and how you can address it below.

Why Do You See Shooting Stars or Lighting Streaks?

Shooting stars, lightning streaks, and other flashes of light can be alarming to the adults who experience them. Flashing light (or flashes of light) often occurs when the vitreous gel found inside your eyes changes size, consistency, or shape. Vitreous gel helps your eyeballs maintain their natural shapes. However, the gel shrinks as you get older. If the gel shrinks too much, it can tug on the layer of light-sensitive material (retina) located in the back of your eye.

You can experience several different symptoms as the vitreous gel tugs on your retinas. Some people see jagged lines or streaks of lightning, while other people see stars or waves of light. Your retinas can tear from the tugging placed on it. If your retinas tear completely or pull away from the backs of your eyes, you could potentially lose your vision.

You can help avoid problems with your eyes by having your condition evaluated and treated by an eye doctor. 

How Do You Treat Flashing Light in the Eyes?

To evaluate your condition properly, an eye doctor will need to dilate (open up) your pupils to view your retinas. An eye doctor may also use other visual tools to examine your retinas, such as ultrasound scans and angiography tests. The testing methods used during your exam may depend on the specialists you see. 

If your retinas are in danger of pulling completely away from the backs of your eyes, a doctor can use surgery to repair or reattach them. An eye doctor may also use surgery to replace the shrunken vitreous gel in your eyes. If your situation is severe, it may be necessary to perform both types of surgeries on your eyes. 

An eye doctor may require you to visit the office for a follow-up eye exam and to monitor your condition. If you have any other problems with your retinas, an eye doctor can devise a treatment plan to address them.

Don't ignore the shooting stars and streaks of lightning in your line of vision. Contact an eye doctor for an evaluation today.

Share