Is Flashing Light in the Eye a Sign of Brain Tumor?

Flashing lights in the eye is a condition that can be among the symptoms of brain tumor, but it can also be a symptom of many different diseases. The brain is an organ that is divided into many regions due to its structure. These parts affect various points of the body. The area where the tumor develops is also a determinant of the symptoms that occur. The main symptoms of a brain tumor can be listed as seizures, headache, memory and vision problems. However, like every symptom, a flash of light in the eye does not always mean that there is a brain tumor. In addition, not every patient with a brain tumor may show the symptom of light flashes in the eye.

The main brain region that affects visual abilities are tumors that develop in or affect the occipital lobe. Vision-related problems include flashing lights in the eye, double vision, blurred vision or vision loss. An ophthalmologist also needs to be involved in the treatment when there is a problem with vision due to a brain tumor or as a side effect of treatment. The doctor checks eye health and treatment options can be applied to help maintain daily activities.

What are the Causes of Flashing Light in the Eye?

Brain tumors can cause vision problems such as flashes of light. This may be due to the tumor itself or as a side effect of tumor treatments. It is also possible to experience this symptom after radiation used in tumor treatment or surgery to remove the tumor. Tumors that develop especially in the occipital lobes and pituitary gland located at the back of the brain are the lobes of the brain that cause vision-related symptoms. The resulting symptoms can range from visual hallucinations to visual field defects and cortical blindness. Tumors occurring in these areas can also cause vision problems by compressing the optic nerves. The cause of the flashing light symptom in the eye is the pressure caused by the tumor on these optic nerves.

The retina is a thin, light-sensitive tissue that covers the back of the inner part of the eye. It transmits electrical signals to the brain via the optic nerve. Although there are many reasons why flashes of light appear in the eye, most often the causes are pressure or force on the retina. These flashes of light occur at the back of the eye, where the retina is located. However, various factors or conditions may cause flashes of light in the eye.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment

When the vitreous gel that fills the eye is sensitive to light and separates from the retina located at the back of the eye, a problem called posterior vitreous tear occurs. Over time, the vitreous gel that fills the eye liquefies and thickens. This condensation is the cause of detachment from the retina. It may occur due to increasing age, abrasions, or trauma. It stands out as a condition that most often occurs over the age of 60. Common symptoms of this problem include flashes of light and streaks of light in front of the eye. Flashes in the eye are often seen when posterior vitreous detachment occurs along with vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment or macular hole. This symptom is sometimes accompanied by impaired vision and floaters.

Retinal Tear

The retina is the inner lining of the eye; It is the thin, light-sensitive tissue that enables vision. Retinal tear, also known as Retinal detachment, causes flashes of light. If the detachment of the retina from the back of the eye occurs on the macula, the central vision point in the retina, permanent vision loss may occur. Because the retina contains light-sensitive cells responsible for vision, the consequences of cell death can be serious. It can manifest itself with many symptoms such as flashes of light, seeing floating objects, and blurring of images.

Migraine

Migraine is a neurological problem and can cause many symptoms. Migraines occur as severe, recurring headaches lasting from several hours to several days, often causing visual disturbances. Flashes of light often accompany migraines and usually occur in peripheral visual fields. Flashes of light may occur without a headache. This is especially common in ocular migraine. This type of migraine may be caused by reduced blood flow due to narrowing of the blood vessels to the eye. When this condition progresses, it can also cause vision loss. For this reason, if vision problems occur along with flashes of light, you should consult a health institution as soon as possible.

Whose Eye Flashes Are More Common?

One of the biggest risk factors for flashes is advancing age. Any disorder affecting the optic nerves, except age, can be a risk factor for flashes. Chronic conditions such as diabetes are a cause for diseases that cause light flashes. At the same time, these diseases may develop depending on many factors such as genetic predisposition and eye trauma. Common risk factors include:

• Eye trauma
• Cataract surgery
• Age advancement
• Genetics
• Radiation therapy
• Head trauma
• Myopia
• Retinal detachment
• Ocular migraine

When Should You See a Doctor?

Flashes of light can be harmless, but they can also be an indication of a serious eye problem that requires urgent treatment. It is important to be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist to accurately diagnose the cause of flashes of light in the eyes. Flashes of light can have many causes, and sometimes they can be a sign of health conditions that can cause permanent vision damage if left untreated. Therefore, if this symptom is experienced more than once, a doctor should be checked. The doctor can fully diagnose the problem and provide information about the cause of the symptoms. If deemed necessary, an appropriate treatment plan can be prepared.

How to Diagnose Flashes of Light in the Eye?

People who have had flashes or floaters for a while and no other symptoms should have an eye exam at some point. The doctor first examines the person's medical history. Other existing diseases are very important at this point. At the same time, the eye is examined with a physical examination and additional tests may be requested to understand the cause of these flashes. Eye acuity and response to light are among the first factors checked. During an eye examination, the person's retina is examined in detail. If necessary, the doctor may refer the person to other medical departments to examine conditions such as brain tumors. In this case, a series of tests such as imaging techniques are applied. Apart from imaging studies, whether the tumor is malignant or benign can be examined by biopsy. A detailed eye examination and neurological tests may also be needed to diagnose a condition such as ocular migraine. The diagnosis is the same for vitreous detachment and retinal tear. However, differently, ocular ultrasound may be needed.

Treatment of Flashes of Light in the Eye

Some occasional flashes of light do not require treatment. However, frequent flashes of light require consultation with an ophthalmologist who can treat the underlying condition causing them. Because flashes of light are a symptom, treatment methods depend on the underlying condition. Retinal reattachment surgery may be used for a detached retina. Since a retinal tear can lead to retinal detachment, a serious eye condition that can sometimes cause permanent vision loss, urgent treatment is required before vision loss occurs. Cryotherapy or laser treatment may also be performed for small retinal tears or retinal holes. If scarring from diabetic retinopathy is found, treatment may include using a laser to deal with new blood vessels, eye surgery to remove scarring, or eye injections to prevent new blood vessels from forming. If the underlying cause is age-related macular degeneration, this is usually treated with drug injections. Flashes caused by ocular migraine usually go away on their own.