If you experience flashes, it's important to see our optometry team at ClearView Eyecare in Bellingham, WA, to find out what's causing them. Flashes can be caused by many problems, from benign conditions to more serious ones. Ignoring flashes can lead to further vision problems, so it's best to get checked out as soon as possible.

Causes of Flashes

Many different things can cause flashes. Some of the most common causes include:

Age-Related Macular Degenerations

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in adults in the United States. The condition causes the macula to deteriorate, leading to flashes and vision loss.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a common eye condition that causes the lens of your eye to become cloudy. This can lead to flashes, as well as other vision problems.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. One of the symptoms of glaucoma is flashes.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness. One of the symptoms of retinal detachment is flashes.

Migraines

Migraines are a common type of headache that can be accompanied by flashes.

Eye Infections

Eye infections can cause inflammation and irritation, which can lead to flashes.

Stroke

A stroke can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eye, which can lead to flashes.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eye, which can lead to flashes.

How an Optometrist Treats Flashes

If you experience flashes, our Northern Washington optometrists will run various tests to determine the cause. If the flashes are due to issues like cataracts, our optometrists will only need to monitor the condition. However, if the cause is more serious, such as retinal detachment, our optometrists may recommend surgery.

Preventing Flashes

There are a few things you can do to help prevent flashes, including:

Getting Regular Eye Exams

Getting your eyes checked regularly is the best way to catch any problems early.

Wearing Sunglasses

Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays, which can help reduce the risk of flashes.

Quitting Smoking

Smoking can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to flashes.

Controlling Diabetes

If you have diabetes, making sure your blood sugar is under control can help reduce the risk of flashes.

Treating Eye Infections

Treating eye infections as soon as they occur can help reduce the risk of flashes.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrists Today

If you experience flashes in your eye, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. At ClearView Eyecare in Bellingham, WA, we can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause of the flashes. We can then recommend the best course of treatment for you. Contact us or visit us today in Bellingham to schedule an appointment.