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Photopsia

Authoring team

Photopsia is the presence of perceived luminous rays or light flashes in vision. Photopsia results from mechanical stimulation of the retina by vitreoretinal traction

Causes of photopsia include:

  • posterior vitreous detachment
  • migraine
  • retinal detachment
  • occipital lobe infarction
  • multiple sclerosis

Photopsia may also occur in situations of sensory deprivation (ophthalmopathic hallucinations).

Reference:

  • Gariano RF, Kim CH. Evaluation and management of suspected retinal detachment.Am Fam Physician. 2004 Apr 1;69(7):1691-8.
  • Practitioner 1998; 242: 302-4.

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