See Flashing Lights with Eyes Closed: Causes and Explanations

If you’ve ever seen flashing lights with your eyes closed, you’re not alone. This visual phenomenon is known as phosphenes, and it’s relatively common. While it’s usually harmless, it can be disconcerting if you’re not sure what’s causing it.

 

Understanding visual phenomena like phosphenes can help you determine whether you need to seek medical attention. In some cases, flashing lights when your eyes are closed can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as retinal detachment or a migraine. However, in many cases, it’s simply a result of pressure on the retina, changes to the vitreous jelly inside your eyeball, or eye floaters.

If you’re experiencing flashing lights with your eyes closed, it’s important to pay attention to any other symptoms you may be experiencing. Seek medical attention if necessary.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of phosphenes, when to seek medical evaluation and treatment, and answer some frequently asked questions about this visual phenomenon.

Key Takeaways

• Phosphenes are a common visual phenomenon that can cause flashing lights when your eyes are closed.
• While phosphenes are usually harmless, they can be a sign of a more serious condition in some cases.
• If you’re experiencing flashing lights with your eyes closed, pay attention to any other symptoms you may be experiencing and seek medical attention if necessary.

Understanding Visual Phenomena

If you’ve ever seen flashing lights, stars, shapes, or colors when closing your eyes, you’re not alone. These visual phenomena are known as entoptic phenomena and are usually harmless. However, in some cases, they can be a symptom of an underlying condition.

The Role of the Retina

The retina is the part of the eye that senses light and sends signals to the brain. When pressure is applied to the retina, it can cause flashes of light. This pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including migraines, posterior vitreous detachment, and retinal detachment or tears.

Common Causes of Flashing Lights

Flashing lights when your eyes are closed can be caused by a variety of factors. In addition to pressure on the retina, other causes include electrical activity in the brain, stress, fatigue, and certain medications.

Phosphenes and Entoptic Phenomena

Phosphenes are another type of entoptic phenomena that can cause flashing lights. They are described as the illusionary flashes of light that chaotically move across the visual field. Phosphenes can be caused by a variety of factors, including head trauma, rubbing your eyes, or coughing. They can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as optic neuritis or retinal detachment.

Medical Evaluation and Treatment

If you experience flashing lights when your eyes are closed, it is important to seek medical attention. Although it may be due to a harmless cause such as phosphenes, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as a retinal detachment or tumor. Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical attention, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options for retinal issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience flashing lights with your eyes closed, you need to see an ophthalmologist or other medical professional as soon as possible. This is especially true if you also experience vision changes, floaters, or other symptoms. If you experience a sudden onset of flashing lights, it may be a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnostic Procedures

A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to diagnose the cause of flashing lights with eyes closed. This may include a visual acuity test, visual field test, and a dilated eye exam. In some cases, additional tests such as an ultrasound or MRI may be needed to diagnose the underlying cause.

Treatment Options for Retinal Issues

The treatment for flashing lights with eyes closed depends on the underlying cause. If it is due to a retinal tear or detachment, surgery may be necessary to repair the tear or reattach the retina. If it is due to a tumor, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Other conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, cataract, or age-related macular degeneration may require different treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the perception of light when eyes are closed in a dark room?

The perception of light when eyes are closed in a dark room is often caused by pressure on the retina, migraines, retinal detachment, posterior vitreous detachment, or eye floaters. These conditions can cause flashes of light when the eyes are closed, which can be concerning. If you experience this symptom, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause.

How are headaches related to seeing flashes of light with closed eyes?

Headaches can be related to seeing flashes of light with closed eyes. Migraines, in particular, can cause this symptom. If you experience this symptom along with a headache, you should seek medical attention to determine if you have a migraine.

Can experiencing flashes of light when closing eyes be related to a viral infection like COVID-19?

There is no evidence to suggest that experiencing flashes of light when closing your eyes is related to a viral infection like COVID-19. However, if you are experiencing this symptom along with other symptoms of COVID-19, you should seek medical attention.

Is seeing a white light upon closing the eyes considered normal or a sign of an underlying condition?

Seeing a white light upon closing the eyes can be considered normal, especially if it’s a brief flash. However, if you are experiencing this symptom frequently or for an extended period of time, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. It’s important to seek medical attention if you are concerned.

Are closed-eye hallucinations and seeing flashes of light when eyes are shut connected?

Closed-eye hallucinations and seeing flashes of light when eyes are shut can be connected. Both of these symptoms can be caused by pressure on the retina, migraines, retinal detachment, posterior vitreous detachment, or eye floaters. If you are experiencing either of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause.

At what point should seeing flashing lights with closed eyes become a concern for neurological issues like a stroke?

Seeing flashing lights with closed eyes, along with other symptoms like confusion, weakness, or difficulty speaking, could be a sign of a neurological issue like a stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms.