Seeing Stars

The phenomenon of seeing stars, flashes of light, or sparkles, is most often associated with a blow to the head. However, you may see stars for no apparent reason. Most of the time it is a normal harmless event, but severe episodes can indicate vision-threatening emergencies.

There are three basic underlying causes for seeing stars: abnormal stimulus to the retina, abnormal stimulus to the part of the brain that interprets vision, and reduced blood flow or oxygen to the brain.

As we age the vitreous fluid inside the eye thickens. This causes floaters and can push or pull on the retina causing flashes of light. More seriously a detached or torn retina can cause a cascade of flashing lights. Being hit in the eye will cause you to see stars for the same reason.

Migraines and ocular migraines affect the blood flow to the bran often causing people to see stars. Standing up too fast and other events which cause a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain can also cause the effect.

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