Ophthalmologist warned about serious consequences for vision during photopsia

Photopsies are a type of visual phenomena that manifest as flashes of light in the field of vision. The causes of photopsia can be diverse and are associated with both diseases of the visual organ and neurological pathologies. On August 28, the ophthalmologist, ophthalmic surgeon of JSC "Medicine" (academician Roitberg clinic), Candidate of Medical Sciences Sino Goziev told Izvestia about this.

"Most often, flashes of light occur in patients with a predisposition to intraocular diseases, such as myopia (nearsightedness) or diabetes mellitus, conditions that affect the structure of the eye," he added.

One of the main causes is the dilution of the vitreous, a gel—like substance that fills the eye cavity. With age or under the influence of pathological processes, this body begins to condense and contract, which leads to its detachment from the retina.

The vitreous body is separated from the retina by a thin membrane, and when it detaches, mechanical tension of the retina occurs. The retina has a complex multi-layered structure and contains nerve cells that are sensitive to irritation. When they are stretched or micro-ruptured, false impulses occur, which are perceived by the brain as flashes of light — this is what is called photopsias.

"These disorders can be both reversible and lead to serious complications. Although photopsies alone do not affect visual acuity, they can be a symptom of dangerous conditions such as retinal detachment, retinal tears or vascular diseases (for example, hypertension or diabetes)," the doctor warned.

The most common causes of flare—ups are vitreous destruction (senile or pathological changes), as well as retinal tears and detachment, which are more serious complications. Photopsias can also be observed in migraines with aura, when flashes are paroxysmal and accompanied by headache.

It is important to understand that photopsies can be one of the first signs of retinal detachment, although they are not always accompanied by a clear deterioration in vision. However, if the flashes are accompanied by a sharp decrease in vision, a feeling of a "curtain" or "curtain" covering part of the field of vision, or the appearance of blurred vision in front of the eye, this is an alarming signal. A detached retina blocks the visual pathway, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Goziev pointed out that risk factors for retinal detachment include a high degree of myopia (nearsightedness), causing peripheral retinal dystrophy; the presence of tears or degenerative changes in the retina; eye injury; diabetic retinopathy, in which fibrous adhesions (mooring) form in the eye, pulling the retina and provoking its detachment.

This condition can lead to a serious complication, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, which requires complex surgical treatment.

"If you have never noticed flashes in your eyes before, and now they appear suddenly, this is a reason to be wary. It is especially important to consult an ophthalmologist in the near future if you have concomitant diseases: high—grade myopia, diabetes mellitus, or a recent eye injury," the expert noted.

A timely examination allows you to identify the initial changes and prevent serious complications. For example, if conditions for retinal detachment are found, preventive laser coagulation can be performed, which is a safe and effective procedure that strengthens the retina and reduces the risk of detachment, the doctor concluded.

At the end of July, ophthalmologist Anna Solovey told how to protect your eyes from excessive stress in the summer. According to her, you can use moisturizing drops, but their use should be carried out strictly on the recommendation of a doctor.

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