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Seeing flashes of light in the corner of your vision can be from something fairly common in the eye, but it can also be a warning sign that needs quick medical attention, so you should not ignore it.

What those flashes might be

In many adults, especially as they get older, flashes in the corner of the eye are often related to changes in the gel inside the eye called the vitreous. As this gel shrinks or pulls away from the retina (the light‑sensitive layer at the back of the eye), it can “tug” on it and create brief streaks or sparks of light, especially in the peripheral vision. This is often called posterior vitreous detachment and is very common as people age. Other possible causes include:

• Retinal tear or detachment (more serious, can threaten vision if not treated quickly).
• Migraine with visual aura (zigzags, flickering lights, often followed by headache).
• Previous eye trauma or surgery.
• Less commonly, inflammation, bleeding, or neurological causes.

When it’s an emergency

Even though flashes can be benign, you should treat new or changing symptoms as urgent until an eye doctor says otherwise. Seek same‑day or emergency care (ER or urgent eye clinic) if:

• You suddenly notice many more flashes than before.
• You see a “curtain,” shadow, or gray area coming across your vision.
• You develop many new floaters (dots, cobwebs, squiggly lines) all at once.
• Your vision becomes blurred, distorted, or you lose part of your visual field.
• You recently had a blow to the head or eye and then started seeing flashes.

These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which can permanently damage vision if not treated quickly.

What a doctor will usually do

An eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will typically:

1. Ask detailed questions
   • When the flashes started, how they look, which eye, how often.
   • Any floaters, vision loss, headaches, or recent injury.
2. Examine the back of your eye
   • Dilating drops to widen your pupils.
   • Careful look at the retina and vitreous to check for tears or detachment.
3. Decide on next steps
   • If it’s a simple age‑related vitreous change, they may just monitor you and ask you to return if symptoms worsen.
   • If there is a retinal tear, they may treat it urgently (for example with laser or freezing treatment) to prevent full detachment.
   • They may refer you urgently to a retinal specialist if needed.

What you can do right now

Until you are seen:

• Do not ignore or “wait weeks” on new flashes, especially if you also see new floaters or vision changes.
• Avoid heavy straining and protect your eyes from further trauma.
• If you have a history of high myopia (very nearsighted), prior eye surgery, or previous retinal problems, be extra cautious and seek care promptly.

How this shows up in forum discussions

On health and vision forums, people often post something like:

“I keep seeing small flashes of light in the corner of my eye when I’m in a dark room or move my eyes quickly. Should I be worried?”

Common replies from others who’ve had it include:

• Some say their doctor told them it was a normal vitreous change with age and just to monitor it.
• Others describe being diagnosed with a retinal tear and being glad they went in quickly because it was treated before they lost vision.
• Quite a few mention being scared at first but relieved after a proper dilated eye exam.

The pattern across these discussions is: it’s common, sometimes harmless, but serious causes are only ruled out by an in‑person exam, not by guessing online.

Bottom line

Flashes of light in the corner of your eye are often due to normal age‑related changes inside the eye, but they can also be an early sign of a retinal tear or detachment. Because of that risk, it’s safest to arrange an urgent, in‑person eye exam as soon as possible, and to go to emergency care immediately if you also notice a shadow, curtain, or sudden vision loss. If you tell me your age, whether it’s one or both eyes, how long it’s been happening, and whether you see new floaters or a “curtain,” I can help you frame what to tell the doctor—but I still strongly recommend getting seen in person quickly.