Etiology - Photopsia can be caused by many things, ranging from normal aging to a serious neurological disorder.
Symptoms - Brief or repetitive flashes of light, shimmering lines, and flashing floaters.
Details - Photopsia is the false visual sensation of flashing lights. Such imaginary flashes are commonly described as sparkles, flickers, or lightening streaks. Oftentimes, such flashes should be taken seriously if they are intense and sudden.
Treatment - At its core, photopsia is more of a symptom than disease. Thus, identifying and treating its root cause is the often the best treatment approach. Potential underlying causes of photopsia include inflammation, migraines, and retinal detachment.
Example of an intense light flash seen by someone affected by photopsia.