Causes and Understanding of Eye Flashes upon Standing

Eye flashes, or the sensation of seeing flashes of light, commonly occur after sudden standing from a seated position. While these occurrences are usually harmless, it is essential to understand the underlying causes and when to seek medical advice.

Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that can occur when you stand up quickly. This condition can lead to temporary visual disturbances, such as flashes or spots in your vision. When you stand from a lying or sitting position, your blood needs to be quickly redirected upwards towards your head. Sometimes, the body's reflex mechanisms for adjusting blood pressure do not respond quickly enough, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure and causing visual disturbances.

Vitreous Detachment

Vitreous detachment is another common cause of eye flashes. The vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye, can sometimes pull away from the retina. This detachment is usually painless and harmless, but it can cause an increase in flashes of light. Vitreous detachment is more common in older individuals and usually should be monitored to rule out any more serious underlying conditions.

Migraine Aura

People with a history of migraines may experience visual disturbances such as flashes before or during a migraine attack. This is part of a migraine aura and can manifest as zigzag lines, squiggles, or other patterns of lights in the visual field. If eye flashes are accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or a throbbing headache, seeking medical attention is advisable.

Retinal Issues

Retinal issues, such as retinal tears or detachment, can also cause eye flashes. These conditions are more serious and require immediate medical attention. Retinal detachment, in particular, is a medical emergency and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Eye Strain and Prolonged Screen Time

Eye strain from prolonged periods of sitting and staring at screens can also lead to temporary visual disturbances. Eye strain can result in tension and fatigue in the eye muscles, which may cause flashes or other visual abnormalities.

Understanding the Mechanism of Postural Hypotension

The sensation of seeing stars or flashes of light upon standing up can be understood better when considering the changes in blood pressure. When you stand up rapidly, the body tries to adjust the blood pressure and brain blood flow through reflex mechanisms. However, in some cases, this adjustment is not quick enough, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure. This reduction in blood flow can cause a temporary decrease in oxygen supply to the brain and retina, leading to the perception of flashes or the feeling of stars.

Professional Consultation

It is important to consult an eye care professional if these eye flashes are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of vision. By doing so, any serious conditions, such as retinal detachment, can be ruled out and appropriate treatment can be provided.

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References

[1] Why You Sometimes See Stars and Flashes of Light. Link

[2] Surviving Hypoxia: Mechanisms of Control and Adaptation. By Peter W. Hochachka, Peter L. Lutz, Thomas J. Sick, Myron Rosenthal. Link