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How Long Do Eye Flashes Usually Last? Understanding What’s Normal and When to Be Concerned
- Keshav Narain, M.D.
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Introduction
Have you ever noticed sudden streaks, sparks, or bursts of light in your vision—especially in dim lighting or when moving your eyes quickly? These are known as eye flashes or photopsia, and they can be both surprising and unsettling. One of the most common questions people ask about flashes is: “How long do they usually last?”
The answer depends on what’s causing them. While some flashes are harmless and temporary, others can signal serious problems, such as a retinal tear or detachment. In this article, we’ll explore the typical duration of eye flashes, what factors affect how long they last, and when it’s time to seek medical attention.
What Are Eye Flashes?
Eye flashes are brief visual phenomena that look like lightning streaks, flickering lights, or arcs of light. They usually appear in your peripheral vision and are caused by mechanical stimulation of the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye.
Flashes often occur when the vitreous gel inside your eye shifts or pulls on the retina, which can happen for several reasons, including:
Aging and vitreous detachment
Trauma to the eye or head
Migraines with aura
Retinal tears or detachment
Inflammation inside the eye
How long eye flashes last?
If your flashes are related to aging—specifically, a condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)—they may come and go for a few weeks to a few months. Here's a breakdown of common causes and expected durations:
1. Aging and Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
Duration: Flashes can last from a few days to several weeks or even months.
Description: These flashes are often brief, lasting seconds at a time, and may be more noticeable in low light.
Course: They typically decrease over time as the vitreous settles and stops tugging on the retina.
2. Migraines with Aura
Duration: 10 to 30 minutes per episode.
Description: Often described as zigzag patterns, shimmering lights, or visual distortions in both eyes.
Course: These flashes are usually predictable and followed by a headache.
3. Eye Trauma
Duration: Hours to a few days, but can persist depending on the extent of injury.
Description: A direct blow to the head or eye can cause immediate flashing due to retinal stimulation.
Course: If flashes continue or worsen, immediate evaluation is needed to rule out retinal damage.
4. Retinal Tear or Detachment
Duration: Ongoing and often progressive if untreated.
Description: Flashes may be accompanied by a sudden shower of floaters, shadows, or a curtain-like loss of vision.
Course: This is a medical emergency. The longer it’s left untreated, the higher the risk of permanent vision loss.
What’s Considered “Normal” Duration?
In most non-emergency cases, flashes:
Are short-lived (seconds per occurrence)
Happen intermittently
Reduce in frequency and intensity over time
Key takeaway: If your flashes are getting better, less frequent, and not associated with other visual symptoms like floaters, blurriness, or loss of vision, it’s generally a good sign.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Even if flashes seem mild or short-lasting, certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation. Seek help if you notice:
A sudden increase in flashes
A shower of new floaters
A gray curtain or shadow in your vision
Decreased or blurry vision
Flashes following trauma
These could be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which needs urgent treatment to save vision.
What to Expect During Evaluation
If you visit an ophthalmologist for eye flashes, they’ll likely:
Dilate your pupils for a detailed retinal exam
Use imaging tools like OCT (optical coherence tomography) or ultrasound if needed
Monitor the condition over time if no immediate intervention is necessary
If a retinal tear is found, treatment options like laser therapy or cryopexy may be used to prevent detachment. How long eye flashes last.
Final Thoughts
Eye flashes can be alarming, but they’re not always a cause for concern. In many cases, especially with age-related changes, they subside on their own. However, it’s important to understand what’s normal—and what’s not.
If your flashes are sudden, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, don’t wait.
A prompt eye exam can prevent permanent vision loss.
Quick Recap
Cause | Typical Flash Duration | Urgency |
Aging (PVD) | Weeks to months | Low to moderate |
Migraines with aura | 10–30 minutes per episode | Low |
Eye trauma | Hours to days | Moderate to high |
Retinal tear/detachment | Persistent until treated | High (Emergency) |
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Bibliography / References
American Society of Retina Specialists. Posterior Vitreous Detachment. ASRS. 2023. https://www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/9/posterior-vitreous-detachment
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Posterior Vitreous Detachment. RNIB. 2023. https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/eye-conditions-az/posterior-vitreous-detachment/
Eye Specialist Institute. Posterior Vitreous Detachment. Eye Specialist Institute. 2024. https://eyespecialistinstitute.com.au/eye-condition/posterior-vitreous-detachment/
Tanner Eyes. Vitreous Floaters and Vitrectomy. Tanner Eyes. 2023. https://tanner-eyes.co.uk/retina-macular-and-vitreous/vitreous-floaters-vitrectomy/
American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Are Floaters and Flashes? AAO. 2023. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-floaters-flashes
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Ocular Migraine (Patient Leaflet). NHS. 2018. https://www.esht.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/0681.pdf
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