Flashes in the corner of your eye are a common symptom with a few possible causes, some benign and some urgent. Here’s how to understand them and when to seek care. What causes flashes in the corner of the eye

• Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): As people age, the gel inside the eye (the vitreous) can pull away from the retina. This often causes brief flashes and may be accompanied by new floaters. It is usually benign, but it can precede retinal tears in rare cases.

• Retinal tears or detachment: A tear or detachment is a serious condition that can threaten vision. Flashes may be the first sign, sometimes alongside a sudden increase in floaters or a curtain-like loss of vision. This requires urgent evaluation.

• Migraine aura: Some people experience visual disturbances, including flashes, as part of a migraine aura even without a headache. These flashes typically occur with other visual phenomena and resolve within a short time.

• Other eye conditions or eye trauma: Infections, inflammation, or injury can also cause flashes. Less commonly, systemic issues can play a role.

When to seek urgent care

• Flashes accompanied by a sudden, persistent increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain across your field of vision, or sudden vision loss. These signs can indicate a retinal tear or detachment. Seek immediate medical attention, such as an emergency department or an ophthalmologist on call.

• Flashes that do not improve or are new in one eye after age-related changes become more common. A visit with an eye care professional is prudent to rule out retinal issues.

What to expect at a clinician visit

• A comprehensive eye exam, possibly including dilation, to inspect the retina and the vitreous. The clinician will look for signs of PVD, tears, detachment, or other retinal or optic concerns.

• Depending on the findings, management ranges from observation and education (for stable PVD with no tears) to urgent laser therapy or surgical intervention if a tear or detachment is present.

What you can do now

• Monitor your symptoms, noting how long flashes last, whether they occur in one or both eyes, and whether new floaters appear.
• Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye and seek care promptly if new symptoms develop or if the vision changes abruptly.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to your situation (e.g., age, recent eye injury, time course of symptoms) and help you decide what level of care is most appropriate.