Differential Diagnosis for Intermittent Flashing Light in Eye

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Migraine with aura: This condition is characterized by visual disturbances, including flashing lights, which can occur before or during a migraine headache. The symptoms are usually intermittent and can be triggered by various factors.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): This is a common condition where the vitreous gel in the eye separates from the retina, causing flashes of light. It is often associated with aging or myopia.
  • Retinal tear or detachment: A tear or detachment of the retina can cause sudden flashes of light, and it is essential to seek immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss.
  • Ocular migraine: This condition is similar to migraine with aura but does not involve a headache. It can cause flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or other visual disturbances.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Retinal vein occlusion: This is a blockage of the veins that carry blood away from the retina, which can cause sudden vision loss and flashing lights. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage.
  • Central retinal artery occlusion: A blockage of the artery that supplies blood to the retina can cause sudden, painless vision loss and flashing lights. Immediate medical attention is crucial to restore blood flow and prevent permanent vision loss.
  • Temporal arteritis: This is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which can cause flashing lights, double vision, and other visual disturbances. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Choroidal melanoma: A rare type of eye cancer that can cause flashing lights, although this is not a common presenting symptom.
  • Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve can cause flashing lights, pain, and vision loss, often associated with multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases.
  • Vitreous hemorrhage: Bleeding into the vitreous gel can cause sudden flashes of light and vision loss, often due to diabetes, trauma, or retinal tears.