Photopsia

Photopsia is the presence of perceived flashes of light. It is most commonly associated with posterior vitreous detachment, migraine with aura, migraine aura without headache, retinal break or detachment, occipital lobe infarction and sensory deprivation (so called ophthalmopathic hallucinations). This condition has also been identified as a common initial symptom of Punctate Inner Choroiditis (PIC). PIC is a rare retinal autoimmune disease, believed to be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying the retina.

See also

• Fortification spectra

Photopsia can present as retinal detachment when examined by an optician. However, it can also be a sign of ocular melanoma. This condition is extremely rare (one in 5 million people will be affected -- typically fair-skinned, blue-eyed northern Europeans) but if not untreated, will migrate to the liver and shorten life expectancy. Photopsia should be investigated immediately.

References

• Amos JF (1999). "Differential diagnosis of common etiologies of photopsia". J Am Optom Assoc. 70 (8): 485–504. PMID 10506812. 
• Engmann, Birk (2008). "Phosphenes and photopsias - ischaemic origin or sensorial deprivation? - Case history." Z. Neuropsychol. 19(1): 7-13. ISSN 1016-264X DOI: 10.1024/1016-264X.19.1.7
• Chu, David S. (MD) (2001). Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation. http://www.uveitis.org/medical/articles/case/PIC.html

ja:光視症