Flashes in the eye can be a symptom of an issue related to your eyes or some other health condition. Here are some of the most common causes of flashes in the eye:

• Posterior vitreous detachment: This is one of the most common causes of flashes of light in your eye. It typically happens as you get older. With posterior vitreous detachment, the vitreous humor detaches from the retina. If it happens too quickly, it can cause small flashes of light, usually in the corner of your vision. It can also cause floaters.

• Retinal detachment: A warning sign of a retinal tear is repeated flashes that could occur within seconds or hours of each other. Other signs include a sudden increase in floaters, a curtain in front of the eye, a loss of peripheral vision, or a narrowing of the visual field. If left untreated, a retinal detachment may lead to permanent loss of vision.

• Eye injury: An injury directly to your eye may cause you to see flashes or “stars” due to pressure on the retina.

• Migraine headaches: Migraine headaches can cause visual disturbances, including flashes of light.

• Medications: Some medications may cause flashes of light or floaters in your eyes.

If you suddenly start seeing repeated flashes of light, this could be a serious problem, especially if you also have cloudy floaters or vision changes. Call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam, including pupil dilation and retinal funduscopy, can help identify the reason for the flashes. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause.