Also referred to as photopsia, you may experience flashing lights and see luminous floaters in the vision of one eye or both eyes. Photopsia may also appear to you as:
- flickering or shimmering lights
- small floating objects and shapes
- moving or static spots
Photopsia is usually a symptom of an underlying condition.
The main concern with photopsia is the need to exclude any retinal traction that may lead to a retinal tear and/or detachment (which, if left untreated, may lead to severe visual impairment).
Other less common causes include end-stage photo-receptor degeneration (age-related macular degeneration), but you should consult your attending physician for a detailed assessment.