Flashes of light — retinal or neurological?
Flashes of light in the vision usually come from one of two very different origins: the retina (mechanical traction) or the visual cortex (a migraine aura). Distinguishing them is the whole point of an urgent evaluation.
What can cause this — and how each feels different.
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
Brief arc-shaped flashes to one side, often in dim light, in a patient over 50 — very common, but always needs a dilated exam to rule out a retinal tear.
Retinal tear / early detachment
Emergency. Flashes with new floaters, especially with a curtain in the vision — same-day retinal review.
Migraine aura
Shimmering, zig-zag or heat-haze visual pattern in both eyes lasting 15-30 minutes, often followed by headache. Neurological, not retinal.
Vitreomacular traction
Persistent flashes with distorted central vision — an OCT-guided diagnosis.
When to seek care — a practical guide.
Use the guide below only as a starting point. If you are unsure, run the free AI Symptom Checker or simply message us on WhatsApp — we would rather see you and reassure you than miss something serious.
Questions patients ask us most.
How do I know if it's migraine or retina?
Migraine flashes are bilateral (both eyes even when closed), shimmering, and last 15-30 minutes. Retinal flashes are usually one-eye, arc-shaped and brief.
Can flashes stop on their own?
PVD flashes usually settle over weeks. But you should always be examined once to rule out a retinal tear — that is the whole reason we take flashes seriously.
Is high myopia a risk factor?
Yes — patients with high myopia have a higher lifetime risk of retinal tears and detachment, so any new flashes deserve prompt attention.
The AI Eye Symptom Checker is an educational triage aid only. It cannot examine your eye and it cannot make a diagnosis. It is not a substitute for a physical, in-person consultation with an ophthalmologist. If you have any doubt, please book an appointment or come to the clinic.Concept by Dr. Shantanu Kumar Gupta & Dr. Manisha Mishra · Developed with AI
This article is for patient education. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, examination or diagnosis. If you have symptoms discussed here, please book an in-person consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist.