Regular checkups with an eye doctor provide the opportunity to mention any stars, sparkles, or flashes in the field of vision and to discuss any tests or treatments. Factors that increase people’s risk of eye problems include diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of eye disease. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people get a comprehensive eye exam by the age of 40 years, even if they have no other health problems.
exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.being aware of any existing health conditions or family medical history that may affect the eyes.getting regular eye exams with dilation, even in the absence of vision problems, to help catch any potential problems early.Laser treatment or surgery can correct it.Ī person can take steps to help keep their eyes and vision healthy. having another eye disease, disorder, or injury to the eyeĪ torn or detached retina needs emergency medical care, as it can lead to blindness if it goes untreated.a previous retinal detachment or torn retina, or a history of lattice degeneration.Risk factors for retinal detachment or tearing include: a sudden appearance of stars, sparkles, or flashes.It may tear the retina or detach it from the back of the eye. Sometimes, the vitreous gel pulls on the retina hard enough to cause damage. occur alongside other vision changes, such as new floaters or cloudiness.Movement or changes in the vitreous gel become more common as people age.Īlthough typically harmless, these flashes could signal a serious issue if they: As a result, the retina sends light signals to the brain, causing sparkles, stars, or flashes of light to appear in the field of vision. The vitreous gel that is in front of the retina can move around, sometimes pulling on the retina itself. This can be a sign of a serious condition, so a person should contact a doctor immediately. If the vision changes happen in only one eye, the person may have a retinal migraine. If they happen without a headache, it is called an ophthalmic migraine. If the vision changes happen before a headache, the condition is called migraine with aura. These changes typically occur in both eyes, and experts believe that they result from abnormal electrical signals in the brain. Retinal disturbances or decreased blood flow to the retina may cause these symptoms. In severe cases, the vision changes may include temporary blindness. They can also cause dark spots, heat-like waves, tunnel vision, or zigzagging lines. Migraine episodes can cause changes in vision, including seeing stars, sparkles, or flashes. Gently rubbing closed eyes is a way to experience this phenomenon without injury.
Getting hit in the eye can also cause sparks or flashes of light because it bumps the retina, which becomes stimulated and sends light signals to the brain. A knock to this area can result in the brain sending out electrical signals that resemble light. The back of the brain contains the occipital lobe, which is the part of the brain that processes visual information. The following are the most common causes of disruptions in the brain or retina that could lead to a person seeing stars: A blow to the headĬartoons have portrayed this phenomenon - where impact to the head causes a person to see stars - for many years. On the other hand, bright spots or patches that appear and stay in place for a longer period may be due to another condition. People sometimes describe these temporary bursts of light as sparkles, streaks, or flashes, which appear and fade very quickly. In addition, if something disrupts the electrical activity in the brain, it may send false signals, making a person think that they see stars. The brain interprets these signals as light, even if no external light source exists. A special gel called the vitreous humor sits in front of the retina to protect it.Įither the retina becoming inflamed or the vitreous gel moving around or shrinking can stimulate the retina, causing it to send signals to the brain. This part of the eye sees light, but it does not see colors or shapes. The retina is a lining of cells that sits at the back of the eye and sends messages to the brain when it detects light. A person typically sees stars, sparkles, or flashes of light because of a disturbance in the retina or brain.