A patient reports seeing flashes of light in the emergency department. Which problem is suspected?

A patient reports seeing flashes of light in the emergency department. Which problem is suspected?

• A. Cataract
• B. Retinal detachment
• C. Macular degeneration
• D. Open angle glaucoma

Answer: (B)

Flashes of light in one eye signal a problem with the retina being pulled away or torn, which is an emergency. When the vitreous gel tugging on the retina causes stimulation of the photoreceptors, you see brief bright flashes (photopsia). This can progress to a full retinal detachment if not treated promptly, and that’s why urgent eye evaluation is needed to prevent permanent vision loss. Floaters often accompany this, and patients may describe a curtain or shadow moving across the field of vision as detachment progresses.

Cataracts cause blurred vision and glare from lights but don’t typically produce sudden flashes. Macular degeneration leads to loss of central vision and distortion rather than new flashes. Open-angle glaucoma usually presents with gradual peripheral vision loss and possible eye pain or halos, not sudden flashes.

If retinal detachment is suspected, a dilated fundus exam by an eye specialist is essential, and urgent imaging or ultrasound may be used if the view is limited.