Flashes in Your Eyes – Could It Be a Stroke?
Seeing flashes of light in your eyes can be alarming. Often, it’s harmless – but in some cases, it might be an early sign of a stroke. In this article, we explain what causes these visual flashes, how to tell if they’re dangerous, and why fast medical attention could save both your brain and memory.
What Does It Mean to See Flashes in Your Eyes?
Flashes in your vision – known medically as photopsia – are brief bursts of light that appear without an external light source. They may look like lightning bolts, sparks, or flickering stars.
Common causes include:
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Posterior vitreous detachment (common with aging)
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Retinal traction or detachment
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Migraine with aura
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Eye trauma
But in some cases, these visual symptoms may have neurological origins – and that’s when stroke risk comes into play.
When Can Flashes Be a Sign of Stroke?
Stroke symptoms vary widely depending on which part of the brain is affected. If you suddenly see flashes or lose part of your vision – especially in one eye or one side of your visual field – it may be a warning sign of a stroke in the back of the brain (posterior circulation stroke) [1].
These types of strokes can cause:
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Sudden visual loss or field deficits
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Double vision
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Dizziness
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Balance problems
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Poor coordination
Importantly, visual symptoms are often overlooked – both by those affected and by medical staff [2].
How to Tell Harmless Flashes from a Stroke
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between benign eye symptoms and a stroke. Here’s a quick guide:
| Symptom | Probably Harmless | Possibly Stroke |
|---|---|---|
| Flashes when moving the eye | Yes | No |
| Flashes with migraine headache | Yes | Maybe |
| Sudden loss of vision | No | Yes |
| One-sided visual change | No | Yes |
| Other neurological symptoms | No | Yes |
When in doubt – call emergency services. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
What Happens in the Brain During a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked. If the affected area includes regions that control vision – such as the occipital lobe – symptoms may include partial or full vision loss, blurred vision, or flashes [3]. This is especially true in strokes affecting the posterior circulation, which are often harder to detect than classic one-sided stroke symptoms [4].
What Should You Do If You See Flashes in Your Eyes?
If you suddenly develop visual disturbances, particularly if they’re accompanied by other neurological symptoms – act quickly.
What to do:
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Call emergency services immediately if stroke is suspected.
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See an eye doctor urgently if flashes are new, especially if accompanied by floaters or a “curtain” over your vision (which may signal retinal detachment).
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When unsure – seek urgent care.
Stroke and Dementia – A Crucial Link
Stroke is more than just an acute event. Many people who suffer a stroke experience long-term effects – including cognitive decline. Repeated small strokes in the brain can lead to vascular dementia, where brain function slowly deteriorates due to impaired blood flow [5]. Early detection and treatment of stroke can therefore be vital in preventing future memory loss and dementia.
A personal alarm that can be triggered at any time
Sensorem’s personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then automatically call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The user can also trigger the alarm manually by pressing the physical alarm button. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.
SENSOREM’S PERSONAL ALARM CAN INCREASE SAFETY AFTER A STROKE
References
- Fisher, C.M. (2002). “Posterior circulation ischemia: then, now, and tomorrow. The Thomas Willis Lecture-2000.” Stroke.
- Lavallée, P.C. et al. (2007). “Vision symptoms as a warning sign of stroke.” The Lancet Neurology.
- Balcer, L.J. (2006). “Visual loss and multiple sclerosis: current concepts.” Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology.
- Schmahmann, J.D. (2003). “Vascular syndromes of the thalamus.” Stroke.
- Gorelick, P.B. et al. (2011). “Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.” Stroke.